BMW Z4 MOT pass rate and common problems
84.1% of 66,000 BMW Z4 MOT tests pass.
At 84.1%, the Z4 passes slightly less often than the average across all BMW models (85.5%).
The BMW Z4 has a pass rate of 84.1%, a little higher than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this BMW Z4?
This is the average across every BMW Z4 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 declines noticeably with age, from 94.2% at 0–3 years to 77.9% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 94.2% | 2,130 | 17,136 miles |
| 3–6 years | 93.4% | 10,135 | 24,106 miles |
| 6–10 years | 87.9% | 7,503 | 45,302 miles |
| 10–15 years | 86.3% | 17,474 | 65,461 miles |
| 15+ years | 77.9% | 28,758 | 89,348 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the BMW Z4
The most common reason the BMW Z4 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 32.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 32.4% | Not working |
| Brakes | 31.4% | Excessively corroded |
| Suspension | 30.4% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Tyres | 28.2% | Has ply or cords exposed |
| Visibility | 16.7% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 13.8% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Road Wheels | 6.2% | Fractured |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 4.8% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Body, chassis, structure | 3.4% | Ineffective |
| Identification of the vehicle | 2.5% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used BMW Z4: what to check
These checks follow the BMW Z4’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.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the BMW Z4 comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 86.3% to 77.9%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 90,000–120,000 mi to 120,000+ mi: 77.2% down to 70.6%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 32.4% of failed BMW Z4 MOTs. 10.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 1.1% at 0–3 years.
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.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 31.4% of failed BMW Z4 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 11.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
3. Suspension
Recorded in 30.4% of failed BMW Z4 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 10.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 28.2% of failed BMW Z4 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.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 16.7% of failed BMW Z4 MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 4.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
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 X5 — 86.7% pass rate
- BMW X3 — 86.5% pass rate
- BMW X1 — 87.5% pass rate
- BMW 6 Series — 86.0% pass rate
- BMW 7 Series — 88.9% pass rate
- BMW i3 — 91.0% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the BMW Z4?
- 84.1% of BMW Z4 MOT tests pass, based on 66,000 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the BMW Z4?
- The most common reason the BMW Z4 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 32.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the BMW Z4?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the BMW Z4 are lights and electrics; brakes; suspension. 10.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 1.1% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used BMW Z4?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; brakes; suspension; tyres; windscreen and wipers. 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 Z4'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.