2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 BMW Z3 MOT pass rate and common faults

1,752 MOT tests in 2024. 67.5% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

114Well above average
Passed first time67.5%
Failed or needed repairs32.5%
Typical mileage at test80,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,752 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.3%
  2. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.7%
  3. Position lamp: not working2.6%
  4. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.4%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.3%
  6. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.3%
  7. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.2%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.2%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.1%
  10. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics17.2%
  2. Brakes16.4%
  3. Suspension12.3%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.7%
  5. Emissions & leaks6.4%
  6. Body & chassis3.5%
  7. Seat belts & airbags3.3%
  8. Tyres2.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.6%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.0%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.0%

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: suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. 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 Z3?

In 2024, 67.5% of 2001 BMW Z3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,752 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 BMW Z3?

The most common failure reasons were suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 BMW Z3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 114, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).