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BMW Z4 reliability

A · Excellent

MOT pass rates and common problems from 295,756 MOT tests of cars first registered 2003–2022.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
75.7%pass first time
+9.4 ptsvs typical car
Beats 89%of cars
295,756MOT tests

Verdict

The BMW Z4 passes its MOT first time on 75.7% of tests, 9.4 points higher than a typical car of the same age and mileage (66.3%). That puts it ahead of 89% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2009 Z4 does best (beats 99% of cars) and the 2005 worst (beats 73%).

Of its engines, the 3.0 Petrol does best (beats 94%) and the 2.0 Petrol worst (beats 79%).

Better than average on suspension, lights & electrics, brakes.

Watch these weak spots

Wheels4.4×as often as a typical car
Wheel condition13.9×as often as a typical car
Airbag warning light2.3×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

50%60%70%80%90%100%3456789101112131415161718192090%87%84%82%78%74%71%69%69%
BMW Z4Typical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

2003
Beats 85%
2004
Beats 87%
2005
Beats 73%
2006
Beats 88%
2007
Beats 91%
2008
Beats 83%
2009
Beats 99%
2010
Beats 97%
2011
Beats 97%
2012
Beats 94%
2013
Beats 89%
2014
Beats 87%
2015
Beats 78%
2016
Beats 61%
2019
Beats 68%
2020
Beats 75%
2021
Beats 78%
2022
Beats 62%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol2005–2022127,14878.0%Beats 79%B
2.5 Petrol2003–201173,55974.3%Beats 93%A
3.0 Petrol2003–201971,00374.8%Beats 94%A
2.2 Petrol2003–200517,29165.3%Beats 82%A
3.2 Petrol2006–20076,75584.0%Beats 100%A

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Exhaust: 2.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 7.2% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 6.5% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 6.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 6.0% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 6.5% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+8.2 ptsTyres: 6.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres0.0 ptsBrakes: 6.0% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+2.5 ptsSuspension: 7.2% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+4.4 ptsExhaust: 2.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+1.2 ptsSuspension: 7.2% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 6.0% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 6.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 6.5% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 2.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 6.5% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 14.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+8.2 ptsTyres: 6.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres0.0 ptsBrakes: 6.0% of tests fail on brakes, against 8.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+2.5 ptsSuspension: 7.2% of tests fail on suspension, against 11.6% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension+4.4 ptsExhaust: 2.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 4.1% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust+1.2 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Tyres: 6.2% of tests fail on tyres, against 6.2% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Suspension
7.2% vs 11.6%
Lights & electrics
6.5% vs 14.8%
Tyres
6.2% vs 6.2%
Brakes
6.0% vs 8.5%
Visibility
4.0% vs 5.8%
Emissions & leaks
2.9% vs 4.1%
Seat belts & airbags
1.7% vs 1.4%
Wheels
1.5% vs 0.3%
Body & structure
1.0% vs 4.8%
Steering
0.3% vs 2.3%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Tyre damage & cracking
    Look for cuts, bulges and cracking on both sidewalls of every tyre.
  • Headlight aim
    Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left.
  • Tyre tread depth
    Check every tyre, including the inner edge, has at least 3 mm of tread. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.
  • Windscreen wipers
    Test the washers and wipers: a cheap fix, but a very common MOT fail.
  • Coil springs
    Look behind each wheel for a snapped coil (often the bottom one) and listen for clunks over bumps.
  • Engine warning light
    The engine warning light should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts. If it stays on, get the fault codes read before you buy.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

50%60%70%80%90%100%0k10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k96%87%82%76%69%64%62%61%
BMW Z4Typical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Tyre damage & cracking4.1%3.5%1.2×
Headlight aim2.4%4.1%0.6×
Tyre tread depth1.9%2.5%0.8×
Windscreen wipers1.9%2.8%0.7×
Coil springs1.9%2.9%0.6×
Engine warning light1.8%1.5%1.2×
Windscreen washers1.8%2.6%0.7×
Brake pipes1.8%1.4%1.2×
Airbag warning light1.5%0.7%2.3×
Headlight bulbs & units1.4%2.8%0.5×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn27.7
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements23.8
A tyre seriously damaged20.3
A tyre cords visible or damaged20.2
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements19.4
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened18.9
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction18.5
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen18.2
Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2022 BMW Z41 engine91.2% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol1,09391.2%Beats 62%B
2021 BMW Z41 engine91.3% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol2,44791.3%Beats 78%B
2020 BMW Z41 engine90.7% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol4,98990.7%Beats 75%B
2019 BMW Z42 engines89.5% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol7,25789.8%Beats 72%B
3.0 Petrol2,67888.6%Beats 56%C
2016 BMW Z41 engine84.9% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol9,20184.9%Beats 61%B
2015 BMW Z42 engines85.3% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol13,30785.4%Beats 80%B
3.0 Petrol1,07183.2%Beats 56%C
2014 BMW Z42 engines84.3% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol16,19984.4%Beats 88%A
3.0 Petrol1,14782.6%Beats 69%B
2013 BMW Z41 engine82.2% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol13,39682.2%Beats 89%A
2012 BMW Z42 engines81.7% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol15,45181.6%Beats 94%A
3.0 Petrol1,03283.0%Beats 96%A
2011 BMW Z43 engines81.8% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.5 Petrol12,59281.2%Beats 96%A
3.0 Petrol3,62583.1%Beats 98%A
2.0 Petrol1,35382.9%Beats 98%A
2010 BMW Z42 engines80.4% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.5 Petrol11,79380.4%Beats 98%A
3.0 Petrol5,95080.4%Beats 97%A
2009 BMW Z43 engines80.4% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.5 Petrol12,04581.0%Beats 99%A
3.0 Petrol8,35382.1%Beats 99%A
2.0 Petrol1,83667.9%Beats 67%B
2008 BMW Z43 engines70.2% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol10,22667.3%Beats 73%B
3.0 Petrol3,52376.1%Beats 96%A
2.5 Petrol2,31173.7%Beats 92%A
2007 BMW Z44 engines71.9% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol11,29666.4%Beats 76%B
3.0 Petrol10,42674.2%Beats 96%A
2.5 Petrol4,87271.4%Beats 89%A
3.2 Petrol3,00885.1%Beats 100%A
2006 BMW Z44 engines69.5% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol9,57362.2%Beats 67%B
3.0 Petrol7,94571.8%Beats 94%A
2.5 Petrol7,61069.5%Beats 87%A
3.2 Petrol3,74783.2%Beats 100%A
2005 BMW Z44 engines63.3% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Petrol9,52460.3%Beats 65%B
2.2 Petrol4,30465.8%Beats 81%A
3.0 Petrol3,31066.4%Beats 81%A
2.5 Petrol2,90765.9%Beats 81%A
2004 BMW Z43 engines67.1% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.2 Petrol11,54165.1%Beats 82%A
3.0 Petrol10,55869.5%Beats 92%A
2.5 Petrol7,40466.8%Beats 85%A
2003 BMW Z43 engines66.2% passA
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.5 Petrol12,02565.0%Beats 82%A
3.0 Petrol11,38567.6%Beats 88%A
2.2 Petrol1,44665.0%Beats 83%A

FAQ

What is the BMW Z4 MOT pass rate?

75.7% of MOT tests on the BMW Z4 were passed first time, based on 295,756 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 2003–2022. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 66.3% of the time.

Is the BMW Z4 reliable?

On MOT results it rates A (excellent): it passes first time more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 89% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which BMW Z4 year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2009 Z4 does best for its age and mileage: it beats 99% of cars on UK roads. The 2005 does worst: it beats 73%.

Which BMW Z4 engine is best?

Across all years, the 3.0 Petrol does best: it beats 94% of cars on UK roads. The 2.0 Petrol does worst: it beats 79%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the BMW Z4?

The most common failure items are tyre damage & cracking, headlight aim, tyre tread depth. Compared with similar cars, wheel condition comes up 13.9× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.