Skip to main content
GB
MOT
Checkup

BMW 535 MOT Check

MOT pass rates, common failures, and reliability data for the BMW 535. Check any 535 by registration number below.

GB

Free, instant, no sign-up required.

83.1%

Avg Pass Rate

-6.8%

vs BMW Avg

27

Year Ranges

Good

Reliability

BMW 535 — MOT Reliability Overview

The BMW 535 has an average MOT pass rate of 83.1%, which is 6.8 percentage points below the BMW brand average of 89.9%. This is a strong result, indicating that the 535 is well-engineered and tends to age well mechanically. Owners can expect fewer surprises at MOT time.

The most common reasons a BMW 535 fails its MOT are stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, an srs malfunction indicator lamp (mil) indicates a system malfunction, steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc. If you are preparing your 535 for its MOT, checking these areas first could save you a retest fee. Our detailed fault analysis includes estimated repair costs for each failure type.

Before buying a used BMW 535, we recommend checking the full MOT history, write-off status, outstanding finance, and stolen vehicle status. These checks can be done for free using the registration number.

MOT Pass Rate by Year

How the BMW 535 performs at MOT across different model years.

2017

Based on 247 vehicles

87.0%Excellent
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

5.9%

Retest Rate

13.7%

2016

Based on 3,244 vehicles

90.4%Excellent
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

3.4%

Retest Rate

8.9%

2015

Based on 3,713 vehicles

88.3%Excellent
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

4.0%

Retest Rate

14.0%

Mileage at 10yr

146k mi

2014

Based on 2,629 vehicles

89.2%Excellent
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

3.1%

Retest Rate

9.9%

Mileage at 10yr

153k mi

2013

Based on 1,035 vehicles

86.6%Excellent
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

3.1%

Retest Rate

13.8%

Mileage at 10yr

153k mi

2012

Based on 860 vehicles

89.3%Excellent
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

1.6%

Retest Rate

10.3%

Mileage at 10yr

178k mi

2011

Based on 1,584 vehicles

87.4%Excellent
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

2.8%

Retest Rate

10.1%

2010

Based on 989 vehicles

80.5%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

3.7%

Retest Rate

23.9%

2009

Based on 736 vehicles

81.9%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

6.8%

Retest Rate

15.4%

2008

Based on 1,483 vehicles

83.0%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

4.0%

Retest Rate

15.7%

2007

Based on 2,258 vehicles

83.6%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

4.5%

Retest Rate

15.0%

2006

Based on 2,135 vehicles

81.2%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

4.1%

Retest Rate

19.4%

2005

Based on 2,095 vehicles

82.3%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

4.2%

Retest Rate

14.6%

2004

Based on 465 vehicles

81.3%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

5.7%

Retest Rate

14.3%

2003

Based on 40 vehicles

72.5%Average
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

7.7%

Retest Rate

7.7%

2002

Based on 103 vehicles

78.6%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

6.0%

Retest Rate

11.9%

2001

Based on 101 vehicles

83.2%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

3.8%

Retest Rate

11.5%

2000

Based on 168 vehicles

82.1%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

3.0%

Retest Rate

14.1%

1999

Based on 232 vehicles

78.9%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

2.6%

Retest Rate

10.3%

1998

Based on 368 vehicles

77.2%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

2.6%

Retest Rate

14.0%

1997

Based on 144 vehicles

81.3%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

1.0%

Retest Rate

16.2%

1996

Based on 82 vehicles

87.8%Excellent
BMW average: 89.9%

1991

Based on 41 vehicles

78.0%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

6.1%

Retest Rate

18.2%

1990

Based on 87 vehicles

79.3%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

1.6%

Retest Rate

19.7%

1989

Based on 119 vehicles

89.9%Excellent
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

1.1%

Retest Rate

4.6%

1988

Based on 48 vehicles

77.1%Good
BMW average: 89.9%
Dangerous Defects

5.6%

Retest Rate

5.6%

0

Based on 10,055 vehicles

85.0%Excellent
BMW average: 89.9%
Mileage at 5yr

113k mi

Top MOT Failures — BMW 535

The most common reasons a BMW 535 fails its MOT, aggregated across all year ranges.

1

Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning

2.6%
2

An SRS malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) indicates a system malfunction

2.6%
3

Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc

2.4%
4

Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement

1.9%
5

The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements

1.9%
BMW 535 Common Faults & Repair Costs

Where Failures Occur

The areas of the vehicle most commonly flagged during MOT inspections.

Rear Offside

2.8%

Rear Nearside

2.4%

Front Offside

2.4%

Other BMW Models

Compare MOT reliability across BMW models.

BMW 420d Xdrive M Sport Mhev Auto

90.4% pass rate

BMW X2 Sdrive18d Sport

87.3% pass rate

BMW X2 Sdrive18d M Sport X Auto

87.0% pass rate

BMW 550

82.4% pass rate

BMW 316 I

89.0% pass rate

BMW 540i Xdrive M Sport Mhev Auto

75.6% pass rate

Useful MOT Guides

Common MOT Failures

The most common reasons UK vehicles fail their MOT — and how to prepare.

MOT Checklist

Pre-MOT checklist to improve your chances of passing first time.

Advisory vs Failure

Understanding the difference between MOT advisories and failures.

See detailed fault analysis for BMW 535

BMW 535 — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the BMW 535 MOT and reliability.

What is the MOT pass rate for the BMW 535?
The average MOT pass rate for the BMW 535 is 83.1% compared to the BMW average of 89.9%. Pass rates vary by year — check the year-by-year breakdown on this page for details.
What are the most common MOT failures on a BMW 535?
The most common MOT failures on the BMW 535 are: Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning (2.6%), An SRS malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) indicates a system malfunction (2.6%), Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.4%). These are the components most likely to cause an MOT failure.
Is the BMW 535 reliable?
With an average MOT pass rate of 83.1%, the BMW 535 is rated as "Good" for reliability. This is a strong result suggesting good build quality and fewer common defects.
How do I check the MOT history of a BMW 535?
Enter the vehicle's registration number in the search box at the top of this page. You will instantly see the complete MOT history including every test result, mileage readings, advisories, and dangerous defects — completely free.
What mileage should I expect on a BMW 535?
Typical mileage for the BMW 535: 146,270 miles at 10 years. Use these benchmarks when evaluating a used 535 to spot vehicles with unusually high or low mileage.

Check Your BMW 535's MOT History

Enter the registration number for the full MOT history — free and instant.

GB