1995 · 29 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1995 BMW m3 MOT pass rate and common faults

145 MOT tests in 2024. 78.6% passed first time, compared with 66.8% for all cars the same age.

118Well above average
Passed first time78.6%
Failed or needed repairs21.4%
Typical mileage at test112,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 145 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.8%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.8%
  3. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.8%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.8%
  5. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting2.8%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.1%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.1%
  8. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.1%
  9. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.1%
  10. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks17.9%
  2. Lights & electrics7.6%
  3. Body & chassis6.9%
  4. Brakes5.5%
  5. Seat belts & airbags4.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.1%
  7. Suspension4.1%
  8. Tyres2.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.7%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.2%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.8%

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: 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 m3 years1996 m3 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1995 BMW m3?

In 2024, 78.6% of 1995 BMW m3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 145 tests. The average for all 29-year-old cars was 66.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1995 BMW m3?

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; emissions not tested: unable to be completed. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1995 BMW m3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 118, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).