2012 BMW M3 4.0L Petrol · DSS 3
2012 BMW M3 (4.0L, petrol). First registered 30 Jun 2012. Recorded mileage 54,617 miles. MOT valid until 30 Jul 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Shrewsbury
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 30 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 54,617 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 4.0L
- 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.
DSS 3 Key Findings
- 12 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 24/07/2026
- 54,617 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
DSS 3 MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
12 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 BMW M3 (DSS 3) between May 2015 and July 2026.
The record contains 12 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 1 advisory notice notes an item to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (1 issue), 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.
DSS 3 Mileage History
- 19/05/201530,358 mi
- 27/06/201636,195 mi+5,837 mi
- 26/06/201739,434 mi+3,239 mi
- 31/07/201841,833 mi+2,399 mi
- 24/07/201944,116 mi+2,283 mi
- 02/06/202044,985 mi+869 mi
- 31/03/202146,057 mi+1,072 mi
- 29/03/202249,130 mi+3,073 mi
- 29/06/202350,738 mi+1,608 mi
- 05/07/202452,539 mi+1,801 mi
- 01/08/202554,070 mi+1,531 mi
- 24/07/202654,617 mi+547 mi
Average of roughly 2,170 miles per year across 12 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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: Good
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.
Digital Service History
Access verified franchised dealer maintenance records for DSS3.
Unlock Manufacturer Digital Service Records
Check franchised dealer maintenance history for DSS3. Our direct integration verifies routine service events, workshop operations, recorded mileage, and technician logs.
Common Problems: BMW M3
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- 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.
- Throttle Actuator Failure(Serious)
The V8 M3 uses electric throttle actuators that fail with age and heat, putting the car into limp mode. Many cars have already had one or both done.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (DSS Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as DSS3.
SKODA
SUPERB L AND K IV PHEV S-A
ASTON MARTIN
VANQUISH
PEUGEOT
2008
BENTLEY
CONTINENTAL
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF R BLACK ED TSI 4MOTION SA
LAND ROVER
R ROVER VELAR RDYN SE D MHEV A
MERCEDES-BENZ
SL
BMW
X3 XDRIVE20 M SPORT MHEV AUTO
VAUXHALL
MOKKA
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER SPORT
PORSCHE
TAYCAN 4S CROSS TURISMO
BMW
X3
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 2012 model year cars.
- 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.
- Throttle Actuator FailureSerious
The V8 M3 uses electric throttle actuators that fail with age and heat, putting the car into limp mode. Many cars have already had one or both done.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.