2002 BMW Z3 · 4,052 MOT tests
2002 BMW Z3 reliability
2002 BMW Z3s fail 27.5% of first MOT tests, 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 6 Z3 years (4,052 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW Z3s: 31.3%)
- 27.5%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW Z3s: 31.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 29% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 76,012
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,052
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- 2003 cars: 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 60% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 BMW Z3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11.9%
- Brakes11.2%
- Suspension8.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.6%
- Body, chassis and structure3.3%
- Tyres3.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 2.96%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 2.2%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 2.1%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.07%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.07%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.05%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (15.75%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.39%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.34%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (8.22%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.69%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (5.97%)
Is a 2002 BMW Z3 reliable?
2002 BMW Z3s fail 27.5% of first MOT tests, 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 6 Z3 years (4,052 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 BMW Z3 MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (2.96% of tests), abs warning lamp shows a fault (2.2% of tests), windscreen washer fluid insufficient (2.1% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 BMW Z3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2002 BMW Z3 shows 76,012 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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