BMW M8 MOT pass rate and common problems
97.7% of 1,601 BMW M8 MOT tests pass.
The M8 passes its MOT 97.7% of the time — well above the average across all BMW models, which sits at 85.5%.
The BMW M8 passes its MOT 97.7% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this BMW M8?
This is the average across every BMW M8 in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your BMW’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate stays relatively stable with age: 97.6% at 0–3 years versus 97.7% at 3–6 years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 97.6% | 339 | 23,079 miles |
| 3–6 years | 97.7% | 1,262 | 26,465 miles |
| 6–10 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 10–15 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 15+ years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
Common MOT failure reasons for the BMW M8
The most common reason the BMW M8 fails its MOT is tyres — present in 86.7% of failed tests, most often logged as "Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 86.7% | Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords |
| Identification of the vehicle | 31.1% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 24.4% | Too high |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 22.2% | Obviously defective |
| Road Wheels | 8.9% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used BMW M8: what to check
These checks follow the BMW M8’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
1. Tyres
Recorded in 86.7% of failed BMW M8 MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
2. Number plates and VIN
Recorded in 31.1% of failed BMW M8 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 1.1% of tests at 3–6 years failed on number plates and vin.
Match the registration plates and the VIN (usually at the base of the windscreen and on a door pillar) to the V5C.
3. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 24.4% of failed BMW M8 MOTs.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
4. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 22.2% of failed BMW M8 MOTs.
Look under the car for fresh oil or coolant, and listen for blows or rattles from the exhaust. Watch for smoke from the tailpipe when the engine starts and when you accelerate.
5. Wheels
Recorded in 8.9% of failed BMW M8 MOTs.
Look for cracked or badly buckled wheels, and check wheel nuts or bolts are all present.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check BMW service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related BMW models
- BMW M5 — 92.8% pass rate
- BMW i8 — 93.4% pass rate
- BMW iX3 — 89.9% pass rate
- BMW X7 — 90.9% pass rate
- BMW M6 — 92.5% pass rate
- BMW Alpina — 89.0% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the BMW M8?
- 97.7% of BMW M8 MOT tests pass, based on 1,601 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the BMW M8?
- The most common reason the BMW M8 fails its MOT is tyres — present in 86.7% of failed tests, most often logged as "Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords".
- What are the common problems with the BMW M8?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the BMW M8 are tyres; number plates and vin; lights and electrics.
- What should I check when buying a used BMW M8?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: tyres; number plates and vin; lights and electrics; exhaust, emissions and leaks; wheels. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the BMW M8's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the BMW service history guide for how to check and keep one.