1998 BMW Z3 · 10,273 MOT tests
1998 BMW Z3 reliability
1998 BMW Z3s fail 32.4% of first MOT tests, 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 6 Z3 years (10,273 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW Z3s: 31.3%)
- 32.4%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW Z3s: 31.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 8% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 85,788
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 10,273
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- 1999 cars: 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 10.6% of tests fail here (51% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 60% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 BMW Z3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11.3%
- Brakes11%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks10.6%
- Suspension10.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.7%
- Body, chassis and structure4.1%
- Seat belts and airbags4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 3.15%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 2.84%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Position lamp not working 2.64%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Carbon monoxide high, default limits 2.34%
High carbon monoxide at fast idle suggests engine or exhaust-emission faults, so diagnosis is recommended before buying.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.32%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.02%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (15.2%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.99%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.44%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.34%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (4.77%)
Is a 1998 BMW Z3 reliable?
1998 BMW Z3s fail 32.4% of first MOT tests, 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 6 Z3 years (10,273 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 BMW Z3 MOT?
Most often carbon monoxide high after fast idle (3.15% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (2.84% of tests), position lamp not working (2.64% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 BMW Z3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 BMW Z3 shows 85,788 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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