1993 BMW 3 Series: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1993 BMW 3 Series?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1993 BMW 3 Series than on all cars registered in 1993.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
  BMW 3 Series

  8.6% All 1993 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.6% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Steering rack inner joints2.2× usual
  BMW 3 Series

  5% All 1993 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes2.4× usual
  BMW 3 Series

  3.9% All 1993 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.3% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 1993 BMW 3 Series MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1993 BMW 3 Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  32% 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
  30% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  19% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  19% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  11% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1993 BMW 3 Series

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1993 BMW 3 Series as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1993 BMW 3 Series as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1993 BMW 3 Series as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?