2012 BMW M3 4.0L Petrol · F8 ACO
2012 BMW M3 (4.0L, petrol). First registered 01 May 2012. Recorded mileage 104,300 miles. MOT valid until 11 Apr 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 11 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 104,300 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.
F8 ACO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 13/04/2026
- 104,300 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
F8 ACO 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 2012 BMW M3 (F8 ACO) between November 2021 and April 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 2 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 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.
F8 ACO Mileage History
- 08/11/202189,649 mi
- 17/10/202295,875 mi+6,226 mi
- 07/02/202497,485 mi+1,610 mi
- 02/04/2025102,355 mi+4,870 mi
- 13/04/2026104,300 mi+1,945 mi
Average of roughly 3,309 miles per year across 5 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: 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.
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Digital Service History
Access verified franchised dealer maintenance records for F8ACO.
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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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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.
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