2002 BMW M3 · 4,610 MOT tests
2002 BMW M3 reliability
2002 BMW M3s fail 18.4% of first MOT tests, 57% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 18 M3 years (4,610 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- 18.4%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 57% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 103,110
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,610
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 55% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- 2003 cars: 61% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 80% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 BMW M3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics7.8%
- Brakes6.1%
- Suspension5.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.7%
- Tyres2.7%
- Body, chassis and structure1.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 1.28%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.26%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Headlamp aim set too low 1.21%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.15%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Headlamp levelling device inoperative 1.04%
A faulty levelling device means the headlamps may dazzle others or light the road poorly when the car is loaded.
Service brake excessively binding 0.95%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (10.41%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.53%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (4.45%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.27%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.45%) · Transmission oil leak, not excessive (3.08%)
Other years
Every BMW M3 year
The full picture: BMW M3 reliability. Before you pay for any BMW M3, 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 2002 BMW M3 reliable?
2002 BMW M3s fail 18.4% of first MOT tests, 57% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 18 M3 years (4,610 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 BMW M3 MOT?
Most often airbag warning lamp shows fault (1.28% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (1.26% of tests), headlamp aim set too low (1.21% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 BMW M3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2002 BMW M3 shows 103,110 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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