1999 BMW M3: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW M3 first registered in 1999: we looked at the 350 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 350 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1999 BMW M3 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1999 BMW M3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes24% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks20% 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.
- Suspension19% 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 electrics16% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres12% 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.
- Steering9% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 BMW M3
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
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
Every year of the BMW M3 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 | 894 | Tyres 13% |
| 2021 | 1,350 | Tyres 15% |
| 2020 | – | Too few tests |
| 2019 | – | Too few tests |
| 2018 | 2,547 | Tyres 16% |
| 2017 | 2,880 | Tyres 16% |
| 2016 | 2,242 | Tyres 16% |
| 2015 | 1,622 | Tyres 17% |
| 2014 | 676 | Tyres 14% |
| 2013 | 1,331 | Tyres 17% |
| 2012 | 1,741 | Tyres 17% |
| 2011 | 1,996 | Tyres 17% |
| 2010 | 1,870 | Tyres 17% |
| 2009 | 2,061 | Tyres 18% |
| 2008 | 3,233 | Tyres 18% |
| 2007 | 1,289 | Tyres 17% |
| 2006 | 1,036 | Brakes 21% |
| 2005 | 2,918 | Brakes 22% |
| 2004 | 4,089 | Brakes 22% |
| 2003 | 5,646 | Brakes 22% |
| 2002 | 3,579 | Brakes 24% |
| 2001 | 923 | Brakes 24% |
| 1998 | 580 | Brakes 22% |
| 1997 | 623 | Brakes 23% |
| 1996 | 508 | Brakes 23% |
| 1995 | 419 | Brakes 23% |
| 1994 | 209 | Brakes 20% |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
| 1992 | – | Too few tests |
| 1991 | – | Too few tests |
| 1990 | 169 | Lights and electrics 8% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW M3 cars first registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score