2002 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · M3 GTR
2002 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 01 Apr 2002. Recorded mileage 189,350 miles. MOT expired on 07 Jul 2022. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Manchester
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 07 Jul 2022
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 189,350 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 3.2L
- 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.
M3 GTR Key Findings
- 19 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 08/07/2021
- 189,350 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
M3 GTR MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
19 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 BMW M3 (M3 GTR) between April 2006 and July 2021.
The record contains 14 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 08 July 2021 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 5 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (9 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 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 Front Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)”; “Nearside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)”; “Offside Front Brake hose excessively chafed (3.6.B.4d)”.
M3 GTR Mileage History
- 27/04/200640,007 mi
- 04/05/200640,309 mi+302 mi
- 02/06/200764,216 mi+23,907 mi
- 02/06/200764,216 mi
- 02/05/200884,297 mi+20,081 mi
- 27/06/200982,696 mi-1,601 mi
- 27/06/200982,696 mi
- 26/06/2010120,365 mi+37,669 mi
- 25/06/2011131,886 mi+11,521 mi
- 27/06/2011131,888 mi+2 mi
- 16/07/2012149,030 mi+17,142 mi
- 07/08/2013167,575 mi+18,545 mi
- 10/08/2013167,595 mi+20 mi
- 16/08/2014180,086 mi+12,491 mi
- 17/08/2015186,957 mi+6,871 mi
- 18/07/2017187,643 mi+686 mi
- 14/07/2018188,201 mi+558 mi
- 13/07/2019188,777 mi+576 mi
- 08/07/2021189,350 mi+573 mi
Average of roughly 9,827 miles per year across 19 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
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: Poor
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.
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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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