BMW

BMW M4 (2016)

1,967 real MOT outcomes analysed • 89.7% first-time pass rate

2016 BMW M4

CarHunch analysed 1,967 real MOT records for the 2016 BMW M4. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2016 BMW M4 passes its first MOT at 89.1%, well above the UK average of 80%, which is a solid reliability indicator—though the 30.8% of cars that have suffered a dangerous defect is a genuine concern and worth investigating on any used example you're considering. These M4s are running around 35,600 miles median at test time, which is reasonable for an eight-year-old performance car, and they average 0.86 failures and 4.0 advisories per vehicle, suggesting manageable maintenance needs but with some minor wear accumulating. Before buying, request full service history and specifically ask the seller about any dangerous defect repairs or warning lights, given how many of these cars have experienced serious issues—don't assume a clean MOT history means clean mechanical history.

The 2016 BMW M4 has a decent first-time pass rate (89.7%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
89.7%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
30.8%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.86
Over 7.3 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
36k
Middle half: 26k–46k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 89.7% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 4 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 1,967 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 1,967 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 27.3%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 10.8%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 9.9%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION · Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
Suspension & steering 7.5%
Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken · Nearside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 1,967 BMW M4 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2016 BMW M4

Based on MOT data from 1,967 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 30.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (100%) 1,963 89.7% 0.86

Colour Breakdown

Based on 12,403 BMW M4 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 32.2%
3,999
Black 21%
2,609
White 18.4%
2,287
Grey 13.2%
1,637
Orange 6.6%
815
Yellow 4.7%
580
Green 1%
124
Red 0.8%
98
Beige 0.7%
84
Purple 0.6%
78
Silver 0.5%
61
Bronze 0.2%
31

Mileage Distribution

Most 2016 BMW M4 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

35,593
typical
25,572
low mileage
45,815
high mileage

Half of all 2016 BMW M4 vehicles fall between 25,572 and 45,815 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 25,572 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
25,572–45,815 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2016 BMW M4s sit.
Over 61,850 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2016 BMW M4 — Still on the Road

Most 2016 BMW M4s are still being driven.

Strong survival — 1,610 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 88% of the peak.

108 1,610 2018 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

7.3
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.86
Avg failures per vehicle
4
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — BMW M4: All M4 years → Which year to buy? →
2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2020

Or browse all models: BMW →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2016 BMW M4 stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing