1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 BMW m3 MOT pass rate and common faults

190 MOT tests in 2024. 81.0% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

124Well above average
Passed first time81.0%
Failed or needed repairs18.9%
Typical mileage at test104,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 190 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.2%
  2. Headlamp aim: too high1.6%
  3. Stop lamp: not working1.6%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.6%
  5. Stop lamp: all not working1.6%
    6 marked dangerous
  6. Position lamp: not working1.1%
  7. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.1%
  8. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.1%
  9. Washers: not working1.1%
  10. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault1.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics10.5%
  2. Emissions & leaks8.4%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.7%
  4. Suspension3.2%
  5. Brakes2.6%
  6. Tyres2.6%
  7. Seat belts & airbags2.1%
  8. Body & chassis2.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.2%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine7.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.4%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.3%
  5. Transmission oil leaks: leaking excessively from transmission4.7%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. 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 1997 BMW m3?

In 2024, 81.0% of 1997 BMW m3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 190 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 BMW m3?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; headlamp aim: too high; stop lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 BMW m3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 124, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).