2003 BMW 3 Series · 42,128 MOT tests
2003 BMW 3 Series reliability
2003 BMW 3 Seriess fail 35% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 25 3 Series years (42,128 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- 35%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 21% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 116,164
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 42,128
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 3.7% of tests fail here (10% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 69% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 BMW 3 Series
Fail rate by area
- Brakes14.7%
- Suspension13.6%
- Lights and electrics12.1%
- Tyres6.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.8%
- Seat belts and airbags3.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 4.48%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.99%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.64%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 2.56%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.27%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.1%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (19.5%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (18.11%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.5%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.19%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.19%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.12%)
Other years
Every BMW 3 Series year
The full picture: BMW 3 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 3 Series, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 BMW 3 Series reliable?
2003 BMW 3 Seriess fail 35% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 25 3 Series years (42,128 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 BMW 3 Series MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (4.48% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (2.99% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (2.64% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 BMW 3 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 BMW 3 Series shows 116,164 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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