1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 BMW m3 MOT pass rate and common faults

156 MOT tests in 2024. 78.8% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

119Well above average
Passed first time78.8%
Failed or needed repairs21.2%
Typical mileage at test108,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 156 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working3.2%
  2. Individual direction indicators: incorrect colour2.6%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.9%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.9%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.9%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.9%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.9%
  8. Brake performance not tested: unable to be tested1.3%
  9. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics19.2%
  2. Emissions & leaks9.0%
  3. Suspension6.4%
  4. Brakes5.8%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.8%
  6. Steering2.6%
  7. Body & chassis2.6%
  8. Tyres2.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.7%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.1%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.4%
  5. Flexible brake hoses: excessively deteriorated5.1%

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: position lamp: not working. 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 1996 BMW m3?

In 2024, 78.8% of 1996 BMW m3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 156 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 BMW m3?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; individual direction indicators: incorrect colour; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1996 BMW m3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 119, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).