1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 BMW m3 MOT pass rate and common faults

110 MOT tests in 2024. 79.1% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

125Well above average
Passed first time79.1%
Failed or needed repairs20.9%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 110 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.5%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.6%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.7%
  4. Headlamp aim: too high2.7%
  5. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.7%
  6. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.8%
  7. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.8%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.8%
  9. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.8%
  10. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics10.9%
  2. Brakes10.9%
  3. Emissions & leaks10.0%
  4. Suspension9.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.5%
  6. Tyres4.5%
  7. Seat belts & airbags2.7%
  8. Body & chassis2.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.4%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.5%
  3. Transmission oil leaks: leaking excessively from transmission8.2%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.5%

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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 1999 BMW m3?

In 2024, 79.1% of 1999 BMW m3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 110 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 BMW m3?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 BMW m3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 125, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).