2010 BMW M3 · 2,762 MOT tests
2010 BMW M3 reliability
2010 BMW M3s fail 12.7% of first MOT tests, 64% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 18 M3 years (2,762 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- 12.7%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 64% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- 70,166
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,762
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2010 against the years either side
- 2009 cars: 71% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does worse)
- 2011 cars: 65% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does worse)
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 79% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2010 car carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
Common problems
What fails on a 2010 BMW M3
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.4%
- Lights and electrics3.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.5%
- Brakes2.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.8%
- Suspension0.8%
- Number plates and VIN0.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.41%
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 0.94%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 0.76%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.72%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
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.
Side repeater not working 0.62%
A failed side repeater means other road users cannot see your intended direction change, which is dangerous and must be fixed.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.13%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.08%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (2.03%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (1.45%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (1.34%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (1.3%)
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 2010 BMW M3 reliable?
2010 BMW M3s fail 12.7% of first MOT tests, 64% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 18 M3 years (2,762 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2010 BMW M3 MOT?
Most often tyre ply or cords exposed (1.41% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (0.94% of tests), abs warning lamp shows a fault (0.76% of tests).
How many miles should a 2010 BMW M3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 13, a typical 2010 BMW M3 shows 70,166 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2010 car?
A car first registered in 2010 carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
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