Used car guide

2018 BMW M3: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 BMW M3s, from 852 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

852MOT tests in 2025
88%pass first time (all 2018 cars: 81%)
5,700typical miles a year
17%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2018 BMW M3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    17% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    6% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Suspension
    4% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    4% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Lights and electrics
    2% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    2% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Looking at a BMW M3?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022840Tyres 14%
2021687Tyres 16%
2017937Tyres 17%
2016742Tyres 15%
2015533Tyres 15%
2012580Tyres 17%
2011662Tyres 16%
2010623Tyres 14%
2009676Tyres 19%
20081,029Tyres 19%
2005950Brakes 20%
20041,319Brakes 21%
20031,815Brakes 21%
20021,150Brakes 22%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2018 BMW M3s registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score