BMW Z3 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 12,574 MOT tests on the BMW Z3 carried out in 2023. 32% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Z3s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1997 to 2003. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2003 models did best (76% passed, +19.7 points against the average for 20-year-old cars), while 1997 models fared worst (62%, −2.4 points). Tested cars had covered 85,564 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 11.8% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 6.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 12,574
- First-time pass rate
- 68%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −3.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 85,564
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Z3?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Z3 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 93 | 76% | 57% | +19.7 points | 72,799 |
| 2002 | 1,147 | 71% | 58% | +13.5 points | 78,607 |
| 2001 | 1,882 | 69% | 59% | +10.6 points | 80,093 |
| 2000 | 2,018 | 70% | 61% | +9.0 points | 83,872 |
| 1999 | 2,978 | 69% | 62% | +6.8 points | 87,890 |
| 1998 | 2,651 | 66% | 64% | +2.1 points | 87,163 |
| 1997 | 1,768 | 62% | 64% | −2.4 points | 93,002 |
Why the BMW Z3 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Z3 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 11.8% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 11.2% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 10.5% | 8.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.8% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 6.7% | 4.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 3.9% | 1.0% |
| Body and structure | 3.8% | 3.5% |
| Tyres | 3.5% | 6.3% |
| Steering | 1.0% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working6.0%
- 2warning lamp indicates a fault3.3%
- 3fractured or broken2.8%
- 4excessively corroded2.7%
- 5ball joint excessively worn2.7%
- 6provides insufficient washer liquid2.5%
- 7Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.5%
- 8pin or bush excessively worn2.4%
- 9efficiency below requirements2.3%
- 10warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.2%
Common Z3 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Z3, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 20.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 10.8% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 10.5% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 9.7% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 9.0% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 8.3% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 6.4% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 5.6% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 5.1% |
| excessively deteriorated | Brakes | 5.0% |
Tips to help your Z3 pass
Based on where Z3s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 11.8% of Z3 tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 11.2% of Z3 tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Z3 ULEZ compliant? See the BMW Z3 ULEZ check, or view all BMW models.
Other BMW models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 12,574 first MOT tests of the BMW Z3 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 12,574 first MOT tests of the BMW Z3.
What is the BMW Z3 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 32% of 12,574 first MOT attempts on the BMW Z3 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a BMW Z3 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (11.8% of tests), brakes (11.2% of tests), suspension (10.5% of tests).
Which Z3 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2003 cars performed best: 76% passed first time, +19.7 points against the average for 20-year-old cars. The weakest was 1997, at 62% (−2.4 points).
How many miles had a typical BMW Z3 covered at its MOT?
The average was 85,564 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2003 cars averaged 72,799 miles and 1997 cars 93,002.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the BMW Z3?
"excessively corroded" was recorded on 20.4% of tests, in the brakes area. 11.2% of Z3s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Z3's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 12,574 Z3s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 62% to 76% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any Z3's MOT history
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