2011 BMW M3 · 2,746 MOT tests
2011 BMW M3 reliability
2011 BMW M3s fail 11.4% of first MOT tests, 65% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 18 M3 years (2,746 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- 11.4%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 65% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 64,638
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,746
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 64% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does better)
- 2012 cars: 67% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- Strong point: suspension, 90% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 BMW M3
Fail rate by area
- Tyres3.2%
- Lights and electrics2.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.6%
- Brakes2.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.3%
- Suspension1.2%
- Number plates and VIN0.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 1.49%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.17%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.76%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.73%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Number plate does not meet standards 0.69%
The plate does not meet legal specifications, so it must be replaced with a compliant one before the car is driven.
Side repeater not working 0.47%
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 (7.5%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (2.37%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (1.86%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (1.42%) · Transmission oil leak, not excessive (1.35%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (1.35%)
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 2011 BMW M3 reliable?
2011 BMW M3s fail 11.4% of first MOT tests, 65% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 18 M3 years (2,746 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 BMW M3 MOT?
Most often engine warning light inoperative or lit (1.49% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.17% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (0.76% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 BMW M3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 BMW M3 shows 64,638 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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