1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 BMW 3 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

2,031 MOT tests in 2024. 67.7% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time67.7%
Failed or needed repairs32.4%
Typical mileage at test117,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,031 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.8%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.8%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.7%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.6%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.3%
  6. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.1%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.9%
  8. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.9%
  9. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.7%
  10. Position lamp: not working1.7%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics20.2%
  2. Suspension15.8%
  3. Brakes14.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks12.8%
  5. Body & chassis4.8%
  6. Tyres4.7%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.9%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.8%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 BMW 3 Series?

In 2024, 67.7% of 1998 BMW 3 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,031 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 BMW 3 Series?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 BMW 3 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).