2002 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · 5 EMS
2002 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 25 Jul 2002. Recorded mileage 55,168 miles. MOT expired on 20 Aug 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2002
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 20 Aug 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 55,168 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.
5 EMS Key Findings
- 22 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 06/08/2025
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
5 EMS MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
22 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 BMW M3 (5 EMS) between July 2006 and August 2025.
The record contains 20 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 06 August 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (5 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 1 advisory notice is 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 Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)”; “Offside Rear coil spring fractured (2.4.C.1a)”; “Nearside Rear coil spring fractured (2.4.C.1a)”.
5 EMS Mileage History
- 11/07/200626,421 mi
- 30/07/200728,895 mi+2,474 mi
- 26/06/200833,194 mi+4,299 mi
- 22/05/200936,773 mi+3,579 mi
- 28/05/200936,807 mi+34 mi
- 18/05/201038,250 mi+1,443 mi
- 25/05/201138,909 mi+659 mi
- 24/05/201241,459 mi+2,550 mi
- 24/06/201342,922 mi+1,463 mi
- 24/06/201444,137 mi+1,215 mi
- 10/07/201545,007 mi+870 mi
- 28/07/201545,055 mi+48 mi
- 13/07/201647,393 mi+2,338 mi
- 22/07/201750,871 mi+3,478 mi
- 21/07/201852,069 mi+1,198 mi
- 27/07/201953,808 mi+1,739 mi
- 22/08/202054,341 mi+533 mi
- 13/08/202154,584 mi+243 mi
- 27/07/202254,773 mi+189 mi
- 05/08/202354,904 mi+131 mi
- 03/08/202455,168 mi+264 mi
Average of roughly 1,591 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 (5EM 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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