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BMW M3 Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 3,438 MOT tests from 330 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every BMW M3 has the same fault.

BMW M3's have a very good reliability rating of 654/999. The score was calculated from the average of every BMW M3 that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the BMW M3.

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Check a BMW M3 before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

BMW M3 side view
  • Service history

    Dealer & service records

  • MOT records

    Past & current MOT data

  • Write-off check

    Check for insurance write-offs

  • Finance check

    Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel TypeYearReliability ScoreAvg MileageSample Size
N/AN/A805/999Excellent90,099 miles536 vehicles
N/AN/A795/999Very good86,715 miles628 vehicles
N/AN/A680/999Good81,094 miles583 vehicles
N/AN/A669/999Good75,881 miles605 vehicles
N/AN/A548/999Above average89,252 miles721 vehicles
N/AN/A543/999Above average79,136 miles1,263 vehicles
N/AN/A540/999Above average80,483 miles1,504 vehicles

How reliable is the BMW M3?

Based on 3,438 MOT tests from 330 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

330

MOT tests

3,438

Pass rate

84.6%

Median mileage

71,039 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every BMW M3 has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 731 out of 999.

Common BMW M3 MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 466 advisory comments and 77 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 78 advisory comments and 18 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR BRAKE PIPE SLIGHTLY CORRODED (3.6.B.2C)

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 46 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR COIL SPRING INCOMPLETE (2.4.C.1A)

Windscreen damage

VehicleScore MOT data includes 31 advisory comments and 9 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record chips, cracks, or other windscreen damage in the driver’s view.

What to inspect

Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.

Example MOT wording: WINDSCREEN HAS DAMAGE TO AN AREA LESS THAN A 10MM CIRCLE WITHIN ZONE 'A' (8.3.1A)

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 36 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 29 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (3.5.1I)

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 25 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: REAR BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (3.5.1G)

Engine warning lamp

VehicleScore MOT data includes 11 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an engine warning lamp that was on, or did not work, during the inspection.

What to inspect

Switch on the ignition and confirm the lamp comes on and then goes out. Ask what was diagnosed if it stayed on.

Example MOT wording: ENGINE MIL INOPERATIVE OR INDICATES A MALFUNCTION (8.2.1.2 (H))

BMW M3 MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

YearVehiclesMOT testsPass rateRecurring issues seen
202690—No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
2025110—No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
202490—No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
20232624100%No recurring grouped MOT issue in this year sample
2022163193.5%Tyre wear
2021206296.8%Tyre wear, Exhaust
2018179198.9%Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
20172015890.5%Tyre wear, Ball joint wear
20162219488.7%Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
201586288.7%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2012811087.3%Tyre wear, Headlamp faults
20111115186.1%Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
201069492.6%Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
20091420490.7%Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
20082340584.9%Tyre wear, Windscreen damage
2007712382.9%Tyre wear, Coil spring issues
200569979.8%Corrosion, Tyre wear
20041738579.5%Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
20032244980.6%Tyre wear, Coil spring issues
20021530182.7%Tyre wear, Corrosion
2001715280.3%Corrosion, Tyre wear

What to check when buying a used BMW M3

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

  • Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

  • Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

  • Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

  • Windscreen damage. Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.

  • Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

  • Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

  • Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

  • Engine warning lamp. Switch on the ignition and confirm the lamp comes on and then goes out. Ask what was diagnosed if it stayed on.

Buying a BMW M3?

Common problems tell you what can affect BMW M3s generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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