2012 BMW M3 · 2,509 MOT tests
2012 BMW M3 reliability
2012 BMW M3s fail 9.5% of first MOT tests, 67% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 18 M3 years (2,509 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- 9.5%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 67% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 57,057
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,509
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 65% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 65% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 80% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 BMW M3
Fail rate by area
- Tyres2.9%
- Lights and electrics2.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.6%
- Brakes1.4%
- Suspension0.6%
- Wheels0.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 1.24%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.04%
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 0.68%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.68%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.64%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Headlamp aim set too low 0.6%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.06%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (2.79%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (2.11%) · Transmission oil leak, not excessive (1.36%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (1.32%) · Brake pads wearing thin (1.28%)
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 2012 BMW M3 reliable?
2012 BMW M3s fail 9.5% of first MOT tests, 67% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 18 M3 years (2,509 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 BMW M3 MOT?
Most often engine warning light inoperative or lit (1.24% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.04% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (0.68% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 BMW M3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 BMW M3 shows 57,057 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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