1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 BMW Z3 MOT pass rate and common faults

2,414 MOT tests in 2024. 69.1% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time69.1%
Failed or needed repairs30.9%
Typical mileage at test85,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,414 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.6%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.1%
  3. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.9%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.9%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.8%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.3%
  7. Position lamp: not working2.1%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.1%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.1%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes17.0%
  2. Emissions & leaks16.7%
  3. Lights & electrics14.0%
  4. Suspension12.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.4%
  6. Body & chassis4.1%
  7. Seat belts & airbags3.8%
  8. Tyres3.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.0%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.8%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.4%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.4%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.2%

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.

← 1997 Z3All Z3 years1999 Z3 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 BMW Z3?

In 2024, 69.1% of 1998 BMW Z3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,414 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 BMW Z3?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1998 BMW Z3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).