1997 BMW Z3 · 3,040 MOT tests
1997 BMW Z3 reliability
1997 BMW Z3s fail 37.4% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 6 Z3 years (3,040 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW Z3s: 31.3%)
- 37.4%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW Z3s: 31.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 6% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 91,024
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,040
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1998 cars: 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 12.8% of tests fail here (78% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 61% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 BMW Z3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics13.4%
- Brakes13.2%
- Suspension12.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks12.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.3%
- Body, chassis and structure4.9%
- Seat belts and airbags4.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 4.9%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 3.78%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Position lamp not working 3.65%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.55%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3.49%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.39%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (23.12%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (10.66%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.66%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.03%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.72%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (7.3%)
Is a 1997 BMW Z3 reliable?
1997 BMW Z3s fail 37.4% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 6 Z3 years (3,040 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 BMW Z3 MOT?
Most often carbon monoxide high after fast idle (4.9% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (3.78% of tests), position lamp not working (3.65% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 BMW Z3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 BMW Z3 shows 91,024 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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