2009 BMW M3 · 3,023 MOT tests
2009 BMW M3 reliability
2009 BMW M3s fail 11.2% of first MOT tests, 71% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 18 M3 years (3,023 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- 11.2%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 71% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- 77,383
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,023
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 67% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does better)
- 2010 cars: 64% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does better)
- Strong point: suspension, 88% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2009 car carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Common problems
What fails on a 2009 BMW M3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics3.2%
- Tyres3.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.5%
- Brakes2.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.9%
- Suspension1.7%
- Body, chassis and structure0.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.12%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 0.99%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Side repeater not working 0.89%
A failed side repeater means other road users cannot see your intended direction change, which is dangerous and must be fixed.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.69%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.66%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 0.46%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.35%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (2.94%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (1.98%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (1.65%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (1.46%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (1.12%)
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 2009 BMW M3 reliable?
2009 BMW M3s fail 11.2% of first MOT tests, 71% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 18 M3 years (3,023 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 BMW M3 MOT?
Most often tyre ply or cords exposed (1.12% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (0.99% of tests), side repeater not working (0.89% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 BMW M3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 14, a typical 2009 BMW M3 shows 77,383 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2009 car?
A car first registered in 2009 carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
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