1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 BMW Z3 MOT pass rate and common faults

1,605 MOT tests in 2024. 64.9% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time64.9%
Failed or needed repairs35.1%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,605 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.4%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.7%
  3. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.4%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits3.3%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.2%
  6. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  7. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.5%
  8. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.4%
  9. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.3%
  10. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks18.7%
  2. Lights & electrics18.0%
  3. Brakes14.9%
  4. Suspension14.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.9%
  6. Body & chassis5.4%
  7. Seat belts & airbags4.7%
  8. Tyres3.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded21.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.8%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.1%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.5%
  5. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened8.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Z3 years1998 Z3 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 BMW Z3?

In 2024, 64.9% of 1997 BMW Z3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,605 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 BMW Z3?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1997 BMW Z3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 99, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).