BMW 320 (1982)
1982 BMW 320
CarHunch analysed 3,348 real MOT records for the 1982 BMW 320. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1982 BMW 320 is a genuine classic with a 0.2% first-time pass rate—meaning it's almost never passing MOT on the first attempt compared to the UK average of 80%. Only 0.1% of these cars have ever recorded a dangerous defect, which is reassuring, but the near-complete failure rate signals serious structural or mechanical wear across the fleet.
These 320s are running at 105,274 miles median (and averaging 120,749), which is entirely predictable for 42-year-old vehicles. With zero average failures and zero advisories recorded in the data, this likely reflects that most of these cars either aren't being tested regularly or are so aged that they're being restored rather than run as daily drivers. If you're considering one, budget for a full pre-purchase inspection by a specialist—these numbers suggest the cars reaching the test bay are either labour-of-love projects or on borrowed time.
What to check before buying a 1982 BMW 320
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a BMW 320
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 3,346 | 0.2% | 0 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
| LPG (0%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1982 BMW 320 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1982 BMW 320 vehicles fall between 90,304 and 127,012 miles.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1982 BMW 320
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
42.9%
Nearside Front Service brake binding but not excessively
-
42.9%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive
-
28.6%
battery faulty
-
28.6%
Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint has slight play
-
28.6%
Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
-
28.6%
Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated
-
28.6%
Nearside Front Inner Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement
-
28.6%
previous rear welding poor inside boot
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1982. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific BMW 320?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.