2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 BMW m3 MOT pass rate and common faults

1,853 MOT tests in 2024. 83.5% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

146Well above average
Passed first time83.5%
Failed or needed repairs16.5%
Typical mileage at test99,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,853 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.4%
  2. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.3%
  3. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.2%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.0%
  5. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.9%
  6. Headlamp levelling device: inoperative0.9%
  7. Headlamp aim: too low0.8%
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits0.8%
  9. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn0.7%
  10. Fuel cap/sealing device: ineffective0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes9.2%
  2. Lights & electrics8.6%
  3. Suspension4.5%
  4. Emissions & leaks2.6%
  5. Tyres2.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.4%
  7. Body & chassis1.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.6%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine3.7%

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 2003 BMW m3?

In 2024, 83.5% of 2003 BMW m3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,853 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 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 brakes.

Is the 2003 BMW m3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 146, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).