Used car guide
2003 BMW 3 Series: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Petrol
67% pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)
Stands out: engine oil leaks 1.8×, flexible brake hoses 1.7×, link ball joint covers 1.7×
23,742 MOTsSee the petrol guide ›
Diesel
61% pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)
Stands out: individual direction indicators 2.7×, shock absorbers 1.8×, ball joint 1.8×
5,619 MOTsSee the diesel guide ›
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2003 BMW 3 Series
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Airbag, brake, wheel and suspension recalls
There were a few recalls over the years covering the side airbags, brakes, wheels and suspension.
At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg.
Looking at a BMW 3 Series?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the BMW 3 Series compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | – | Too few tests |
| 2021 | 759 | Tyres 21% |
| 2020 | 9,771 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 34,846 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 25,493 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 10,906 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 73,403 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 91,029 | Tyres 28% |
| 2014 | 90,046 | Tyres 30% |
| 2013 | 97,821 | Tyres 30% |
| 2012 | 96,040 | Tyres 32% |
| 2011 | 81,787 | Tyres 33% |
| 2010 | 75,455 | Suspension 35% |
| 2009 | 67,536 | Suspension 37% |
| 2008 | 66,671 | Brakes 40% |
| 2007 | 77,186 | Brakes 41% |
| 2006 | 57,039 | Brakes 46% |
| 2005 | 36,334 | Brakes 46% |
| 2004 | 27,771 | Brakes 44% |
| 2002 | 22,806 | Brakes 42% |
| 2001 | 14,634 | Brakes 43% |
| 2000 | 7,767 | Brakes 43% |
| 1999 | 7,370 | Brakes 38% |
| 1998 | 5,623 | Suspension 35% |
| 1997 | 4,172 | Brakes 36% |
| 1996 | 2,941 | Brakes 37% |
| 1995 | 1,929 | Brakes 37% |
| 1994 | 1,187 | Brakes 34% |
| 1993 | 1,172 | Brakes 32% |
| 1992 | 1,287 | Suspension 28% |
| 1991 | 1,968 | Suspension 26% |
| 1990 | 3,254 | Suspension 25% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
| 1984 | – | Too few tests |
| 1983 | – | Too few tests |
| 1982 | – | Too few tests |
| 1981 | – | Too few tests |
| 1980 | – | Too few tests |
| 1979 | – | Too few tests |
| 1978 | – | Too few tests |
| 1977 | – | Too few tests |
| 1976 | – | Too few tests |