2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 BMW m3 MOT pass rate and common faults

300 MOT tests in 2024. 84.3% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

142Well above average
Passed first time84.3%
Failed or needed repairs15.7%
Typical mileage at test108,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 300 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Washers: not working1.7%
  2. Fuel cap/sealing device: ineffective1.7%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.7%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.7%
  5. Headlamp aim: too high1.3%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.3%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.3%
    7 marked dangerous
  8. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.3%
  9. Position lamp: not working1.3%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics8.0%
  2. Brakes6.3%
  3. Suspension5.0%
  4. Emissions & leaks4.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.3%
  6. Tyres3.7%
  7. Body & chassis2.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.3%
  3. Transmission oil leaks: leaking excessively from transmission7.3%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine7.0%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.0%

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: washers: 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 2001 BMW m3?

In 2024, 84.3% of 2001 BMW m3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 300 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 BMW m3?

The most common failure reasons were washers: not working; fuel cap/sealing device: ineffective; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 BMW m3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 142, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).