2003 BMW Z4 · 9,586 MOT tests
2003 BMW Z4 reliability
2003 BMW Z4s fail 31.8% of first MOT tests, 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 16 Z4 years (9,586 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW Z4s: 22.2%)
- 31.8%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW Z4s: 22.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 25% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 96,149
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 9,586
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 26% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 5.1% of tests fail here (74% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 72% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 BMW Z4
Fail rate by area
- Brakes10.9%
- Lights and electrics10.7%
- Suspension10.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.2%
- Tyres5.2%
- Seat belts and airbags5.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 4.28%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.97%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.53%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.47%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.41%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.06%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (18.59%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.38%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.69%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.27%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.08%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (4.68%)
Other years
Every BMW Z4 year
The full picture: BMW Z4 reliability. Before you pay for any BMW Z4, 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 2003 BMW Z4 reliable?
2003 BMW Z4s fail 31.8% of first MOT tests, 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 16 Z4 years (9,586 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 BMW Z4 MOT?
Most often airbag warning lamp shows fault (4.28% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (2.97% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.53% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 BMW Z4 have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 BMW Z4 shows 96,149 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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