2001 BMW Z3 · 6,370 MOT tests
2001 BMW Z3 reliability
2001 BMW Z3s fail 31.2% of first MOT tests, 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 6 Z3 years (6,370 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW Z3s: 31.3%)
- 31.2%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW Z3s: 31.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 19% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 22
- 79,449
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 22
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,370
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- 2002 cars: 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 3% of tests fail here (5% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 59% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 BMW Z3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12.3%
- Brakes10.4%
- Suspension10%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.9%
- Body, chassis and structure3.4%
- Tyres3.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 3.17%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.46%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 2.45%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.35%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 2.17%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.15%
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 (17.46%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (10.85%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.88%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.68%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.41%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (5.45%)
Is a 2001 BMW Z3 reliable?
2001 BMW Z3s fail 31.2% of first MOT tests, 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 6 Z3 years (6,370 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 BMW Z3 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (3.17% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (2.46% of tests), windscreen washer fluid insufficient (2.45% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 BMW Z3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 22, a typical 2001 BMW Z3 shows 79,449 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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