Common problems by part
BMW 4 Series steering problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 70,637 MOT tests · Updated
At 7 years, 0.1 in 100 MOT tests of the BMW 4 Series failed on steering, against 0.8 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 70,637 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 89 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 10 ages from 3 to 12 years, 417,430 MOT tests
- MOT tests at 7 years: 70,637 for the BMW 4 Series
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
0.1 fails per 100 MOT tests at 7 years, against 0.8 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 7 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed.
What to check
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
BMW 4 Series steering fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 30,556 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
| 4 | 38,917 | 0.0 | 0.2 |
| 5 | 48,863 | 0.0 | 0.3 |
| 6 | 62,517 | 0.1 | 0.5 |
| 7 | 70,637 | 0.1 | 0.8 |
| 8 | 67,165 | 0.2 | 1.2 |
| 9 | 51,085 | 0.3 | 1.8 |
| 10 | 32,238 | 0.3 | 2.1 |
| 11 | 13,926 | 0.3 | 2.5 |
| 12 | 1,526 | 0.5 | 2.8 |
All first-use years of the BMW 4 Series pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years.
What fails in the steering at 7 years
Advisories (not fails)
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s): 3.0 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.4. Play in steering rack inner joint(s) MOT advisory
- Track rod end: ball joint has slight play: 0.3 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.4. Track rod end ball joint has slight play MOT advisory
- Steering rack: has slight free play detected at steering wheel: 0.2 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.0. Steering has slight free play detected at steering wheel MOT advisory
Buying a BMW 4 Series? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
By engine and fuel
- 2.0 diesel: 0.2 per 100 at 7 years, about average for diesel class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 32,454 MOT tests)
- 2.0 petrol: 0.1 per 100 at 7 years, about average for petrol class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 16,300 MOT tests)
- 3.0 diesel: 0.1 per 100 at 7 years, about average for diesel class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 16,523 MOT tests)
How to check on a test drive
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Play in steering rack inner joint(s).
Check one BMW 4 Series, not the average
The figures here describe BMW 4 Series cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a BMW 4 Series's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other BMW 4 Series problems
Steering on rival models
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class steering problems: 0.1 per 100 MOT tests at 7 years, against 0.1 for the BMW 4 Series (143,293 MOT tests)
- BMW 3 Series steering problems: 0.2 per 100 MOT tests at 7 years, against 0.1 for the BMW 4 Series (120,281 MOT tests)
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class steering problems: 0.1 per 100 MOT tests at 7 years, against 0.1 for the BMW 4 Series (87,925 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the BMW 4 Series have more steering problems than other cars?
0.1 in 100 MOT tests at 7 years, against 0.8 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 70,637 MOT tests).
How common are BMW 4 Series steering problems?
0.1 in 100 MOT tests at 7 years failed on steering, against 0.8 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 70,637 MOT tests).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 417,430 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare