1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 BMW m3 MOT pass rate and common faults

182 MOT tests in 2024. 79.1% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

122Well above average
Passed first time79.1%
Failed or needed repairs20.9%
Typical mileage at test95,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 182 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.2%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.6%
  3. Headlamp: not working on main beam1.6%
  4. Individual direction indicators: not working1.1%
  5. Anti-roll bars - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.1%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.1%
  7. Individual direction indicators: incorrect colour1.1%
  8. Washers: jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen1.1%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits1.1%
  10. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side1.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics11.0%
  2. Emissions & leaks8.2%
  3. Brakes7.7%
  4. Suspension4.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.8%
  6. Seat belts & airbags2.2%
  7. Body & chassis1.6%
  8. Tyres1.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine8.2%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.6%
  4. Transmission oil leaks: leaking excessively from transmission5.5%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.9%

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 1998 BMW m3?

In 2024, 79.1% of 1998 BMW m3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 182 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 BMW m3?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; headlamp: not working on main beam. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 BMW m3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 122, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).