1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 BMW Z3 MOT pass rate and common faults

2,660 MOT tests in 2024. 69.3% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time69.3%
Failed or needed repairs30.8%
Typical mileage at test87,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,660 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.6%
  2. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.0%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.8%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.8%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.8%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.6%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.0%
  8. Position lamp: not working1.8%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.8%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes18.3%
  2. Suspension14.9%
  3. Lights & electrics14.9%
  4. Emissions & leaks10.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.3%
  6. Seat belts & airbags4.8%
  7. Body & chassis3.8%
  8. Tyres3.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.7%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.7%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.7%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.4%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.3%

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: srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault. 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 1999 BMW Z3?

In 2024, 69.3% of 1999 BMW Z3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,660 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 BMW Z3?

The most common failure reasons were srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1999 BMW Z3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 109, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).