2003 BMW M3 · 7,018 MOT tests
2003 BMW M3 reliability
2003 BMW M3s fail 16.7% of first MOT tests, 61% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 18 M3 years (7,018 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2003 BMW M3?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- 16.7%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 61% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 99,394
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 7,018
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 57% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 61% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 84% 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 M3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics6.7%
- Brakes5.6%
- Suspension4.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.6%
- Tyres2.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.1%
- Body, chassis and structure1.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.27%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Headlamp aim set too low 1.24%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.21%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 0.93%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.9%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 0.88%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (10.36%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.47%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.25%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (3.22%) · Transmission oil leak, not excessive (2.24%)
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 2003 BMW M3 reliable?
2003 BMW M3s fail 16.7% of first MOT tests, 61% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 18 M3 years (7,018 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 BMW M3 MOT?
Most often rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (1.27% of tests), headlamp aim set too low (1.24% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (1.21% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 BMW M3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 BMW M3 shows 99,394 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).
Check a 2003 BMW M3 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.