2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 BMW m3 MOT pass rate and common faults

1,177 MOT tests in 2024. 81.3% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

140Well above average
Passed first time81.3%
Failed or needed repairs18.7%
Typical mileage at test104,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,177 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.8%
  2. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.8%
  3. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.3%
  4. Headlamp aim: too low1.3%
  5. Headlamp levelling device: inoperative1.2%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.2%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.1%
  8. Fuel cap/sealing device: ineffective1.1%
  9. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault1.0%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics10.8%
  2. Brakes8.8%
  3. Suspension6.2%
  4. Emissions & leaks5.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.2%
  6. Tyres2.9%
  7. Body & chassis2.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.7%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.8%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.6%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.3%
  5. Transmission oil leaks: leaking excessively from transmission4.5%

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: rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. 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 2002 BMW m3?

In 2024, 81.3% of 2002 BMW m3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,177 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 BMW m3?

The most common failure reasons were rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; service brake performance: excessively binding; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 BMW m3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 140, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).