2002 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · M3 XLS
2002 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 25 Mar 2002. Recorded mileage 89,387 miles. MOT valid until 06 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Manchester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 06 May 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 89,387 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 XLS Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 08/05/2026
- 89,387 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (14 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
M3 XLS 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 2002 BMW M3 (M3 XLS) between April 2024 and May 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 08 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (14 issues), Brakes (7 issues), Tyres (6 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 30 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: “Nearside Rear Parking (secondary brake) on a single line braking system has no recorded effort at a wheel (1.3.1 (a) (ii”; “Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))”.
M3 XLS Mileage History
- 25/04/202486,348 mi
- 02/05/202486,348 mi
- 23/04/202586,999 mi+651 mi
- 08/05/202689,377 mi+2,378 mi
- 08/05/202689,387 mi+10 mi
Average of roughly 1,494 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: 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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Batch Registration Neighbors (M3XL Series)
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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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