2002 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · J7 LRH
2002 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 31 Oct 2002. Recorded mileage 243,065 miles. MOT valid until 27 Jul 2027. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2002
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Valid until 27 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 243,065 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.
J7 LRH Key Findings
- 29 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 29/07/2026
- 243,065 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 9 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (32 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
J7 LRH MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
29 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 BMW M3 (J7 LRH) between June 2006 and July 2026.
The record contains 20 passes and 9 failures.
The most recent test on 29 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 9 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (32 issues), Tyres (18 issues), Lighting (17 issues), Suspension (8 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 45 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: “Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))”; “Front Brakes imbalanced across an axle by more than 50% (1.2.1 (b) (ii))”; “Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii))”.
J7 LRH Mileage History
- 01/06/200630,907 mi
- 20/06/200742,029 mi+11,122 mi
- 03/07/200847,937 mi+5,908 mi
- 13/08/200848,066 mi+129 mi
- 15/09/200953,949 mi+5,883 mi
- 16/09/200953,951 mi+2 mi
- 05/10/201061,112 mi+7,161 mi
- 08/10/201061,130 mi+18 mi
- 24/08/201165,183 mi+4,053 mi
- 31/10/201165,241 mi+58 mi
- 01/11/201165,242 mi+1 mi
- 03/11/201283,486 mi+18,244 mi
- 04/11/2013103,603 mi+20,117 mi
- 23/10/2014123,249 mi+19,646 mi
- 23/10/2014123,249 mi
- 03/11/2015141,383 mi+18,134 mi
- 09/11/2015149,353 mi+7,970 mi
- 31/10/2016157,458 mi+8,105 mi
- 24/10/2017172,970 mi+15,512 mi
- 06/11/2018191,541 mi+18,571 mi
- 04/11/2019207,911 mi+16,370 mi
- 19/11/2020216,828 mi+8,917 mi
- 18/11/2021222,934 mi+6,106 mi
- 26/11/2021222,935 mi+1 mi
- 15/11/2022233,013 mi+10,078 mi
- 21/12/2023240,961 mi+7,948 mi
- 10/12/2024241,840 mi+879 mi
- 21/07/2026243,060 mi+1,220 mi
- 29/07/2026243,065 mi+5 mi
Average of roughly 10,525 miles per year across 29 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: 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
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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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