2010 BMW M3 4.0L Petrol · DA60 ABX
2010 BMW M3 (4.0L, petrol). First registered 24/11/2010. Recorded mileage 101,902 miles. MOT valid until 21/10/2026. Taxed until 01/05/2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2010 · Chester
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 21/10/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/05/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 101,902 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.
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2010
- Engine
- 3999cc
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
DA60 ABX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 22/10/2025
- 101,902 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
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.
DA60 ABX Mileage History
- 21/10/202285,791 mi
- 19/10/202389,102 mi+3,311 mi
- 17/10/202492,933 mi+3,831 mi
- 17/10/2025101,902 mi+8,969 mi
- 22/10/2025101,902 mi
Average of roughly 5,364 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
DA60 ABX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2010 BMW M3 (DA60 ABX) between October 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 22 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (8 issues), Windscreen (7 issues), Brakes (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 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 Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”; “Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution unless a comprehensive service history is provided. While the mileage is reasonable for the age, the recent MOT history shows signs of deferred maintenance on suspension components that require immediate attention.
The priority here is verifying the service history. For a 4.0L V8 engine, consistent oil changes are non-negotiable; ensure the gearbox oil leak noted in the 2025 MOT has been properly diagnosed, as repairs here can be expensive on this model. Ask for any evidence of rod bearing inspections, as this is a known weak point for this specific engine generation.
During the physical inspection, check the suspension thoroughly. The history shows a fractured offside rear coil spring in 2025 and ongoing corrosion on the others; ensure these have been replaced with high-quality parts. Also, check the windscreen and wiper assembly, as these have been a recurring point of failure and advisory over several years.
Running costs for this M3 are significant due to the large 4.0L engine and performance nature. Expect low fuel economy, likely averaging between 15-20 MPG. Tax is in a high band, and insurance groups are typically expensive given the vehicle's power and performance profile.
Maintenance is considerably higher than a standard BMW. Performance-specific tyres and brakes for the M3 command a premium. You should budget an annual running cost of approximately £3,500-£5,000 depending on your annual mileage and the frequency of required high-performance service interventions.
Look closely at the suspension arches and springs. The MOT history highlights a broken offside rear coil spring and corrosion on all other springs; check for any sagging or clunking noises when driving over bumps, which indicate further suspension wear.
Examine the gearbox housing for oil leaks. The 2025 MOT noted an oil leak from the gearbox; if this hasn't been traced and sealed, it could lead to catastrophic transmission failure. Additionally, inspect the front inner brake discs, which were flagged as worn and pitted in the latest test, suggesting they are nearing replacement interval.
This 2010 BMW M3 (E90) sits at 101,902 miles, which is slightly average for a 16-year-old vehicle. While it has enjoyed periods of lower mileage, the most recent MOT history reveals recurring issues with corroded coil springs and a persistent gearbox oil leak. The car represents a high-performance investment, but the current data suggests the owner may have neglected minor wear items until recently.
The E90 M3 is celebrated for its high-revving V8, but the engine is sensitive to rod bearing wear and oil consumption if not meticulously maintained.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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.
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