2002 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · 3 MYG
2002 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 20 Nov 2002. Recorded mileage 86,026 miles. MOT expired on 07 Feb 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2002
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 07 Feb 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 86,026 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
3 MYG Key Findings
- 21 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 08/02/2025
- 86,026 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
3 MYG MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
21 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 BMW M3 (3 MYG) between December 2006 and February 2025.
The record contains 16 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 08 February 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 5 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (10 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Headlamp levelling device inoperative (4.1.5 (a))”; “Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”.
3 MYG Mileage History
- 14/12/200620,095 mi
- 11/01/200822,552 mi+2,457 mi
- 22/01/200926,248 mi+3,696 mi
- 18/11/200928,117 mi+1,869 mi
- 20/11/200928,117 mi
- 13/11/201032,096 mi+3,979 mi
- 03/12/201138,995 mi+6,899 mi
- 09/12/201248,560 mi+9,565 mi
- 09/12/201248,560 mi
- 21/12/201362,686 mi+14,126 mi
- 10/12/201469,429 mi+6,743 mi
- 31/12/201470,359 mi+930 mi
- 01/12/201776,287 mi+5,928 mi
- 27/11/201876,618 mi+331 mi
- 12/12/201876,716 mi+98 mi
- 12/12/201876,716 mi
- 15/04/202077,757 mi+1,041 mi
- 16/03/202180,740 mi+2,983 mi
- 14/04/202283,551 mi+2,811 mi
- 18/04/202385,788 mi+2,237 mi
- 08/02/202586,026 mi+238 mi
Average of roughly 3,632 miles per year across 21 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW M3
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Common Problems: BMW M3
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Cooling System Overhaul (E36 / E46)(Serious)
Older M3s share BMW's habit of treating expansion tanks, radiators, hoses, and water pumps as consumables. Overheating one can quickly become an engine rebuild conversation.
- Rear Subframe / Floor Cracking(Serious)
The rear floor can crack around the subframe mounts on hard-driven cars, especially E46 M3s. Proper reinforcement is the lasting fix.
- Rod Bearing Wear(Serious)
S54 and S65 cars are well known for rod-bearing wear, especially if oil changes have been stretched or the cars have seen regular track use. Left too long, the engine can destroy itself.
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Batch Registration Neighbors (3MY Series)
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BMW M3 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2002 model year cars.
- Cooling System Overhaul (E36 / E46)Serious
Older M3s share BMW's habit of treating expansion tanks, radiators, hoses, and water pumps as consumables. Overheating one can quickly become an engine rebuild conversation.
- Rear Subframe / Floor CrackingSerious
The rear floor can crack around the subframe mounts on hard-driven cars, especially E46 M3s. Proper reinforcement is the lasting fix.
- Rod Bearing WearSerious
S54 and S65 cars are well known for rod-bearing wear, especially if oil changes have been stretched or the cars have seen regular track use. Left too long, the engine can destroy itself.
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