1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 BMW Z3 MOT pass rate and common faults

2,660 MOT tests in 2024. 69.3% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time69.3%
Failed or needed repairs30.8%
Typical mileage at test87,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,660 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.6%
  2. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.0%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.8%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.8%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.8%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.6%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.0%
  8. Position lamp: not working1.8%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.8%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes18.3%
  2. Suspension14.9%
  3. Lights & electrics14.9%
  4. Emissions & leaks10.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.3%
  6. Seat belts & airbags4.8%
  7. Body & chassis3.8%
  8. Tyres3.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.7%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.7%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.7%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.4%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.3%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 1999 BMW Z3 cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 24)69.3%2,978 tests
2024 pass rate (age 25)69.3%2,660 tests
Change in one year−0.1 pointsaverage car: +0.7 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 1999 BMW Z3 is ageing about the same as an average car.

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: srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault. 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 Z3?

In 2024, 69.3% of 1999 BMW Z3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,660 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 BMW Z3?

The most common failure reasons were srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1999 BMW Z3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 109, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 1999 BMW Z3 getting worse with age?

In 2023, 69.3% passed first time. In 2024, 69.3% passed (−0.1 points). An average car that age changed by +0.7 points, so the 1999 BMW Z3 is ageing about the same as average.