2002 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · M3 HPU
2002 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2002. Recorded mileage 93,036 miles. MOT expired on 02 Jun 2022.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Manchester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 02 Jun 2022
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (29 Feb 2020)
- Recorded Mileage
- 93,036 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 3.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
M3 HPU Key Findings
- 15 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/06/2021
- 93,036 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
M3 HPU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
15 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 BMW M3 (M3 HPU) between August 2006 and June 2021.
The record contains 11 passes and 4 failures.
The most recent test on 03 June 2021 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 4 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (5 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Windscreen (4 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 8 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: “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))”; “Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))”; “Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)”.
M3 HPU Mileage History
- 02/08/200656,247 mi
- 13/07/200764,060 mi+7,813 mi
- 06/08/200872,198 mi+8,138 mi
- 06/08/200872,198 mi
- 06/08/200977,366 mi+5,168 mi
- 13/08/200977,499 mi+133 mi
- 12/08/201083,285 mi+5,786 mi
- 11/07/201491,313 mi+8,028 mi
- 11/07/201491,313 mi
- 11/07/201591,615 mi+302 mi
- 26/05/201791,992 mi+377 mi
- 04/07/201892,490 mi+498 mi
- 12/07/201892,502 mi+12 mi
- 19/09/201992,537 mi+35 mi
- 03/06/202193,036 mi+499 mi
Average of roughly 2,480 miles per year across 15 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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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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