MOT History from tests of petrol BMW M3s year 1999

Review the list of common BMW M3 failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your BMW then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history

Pass percent:65.38%

(The average a petrol BMW M3 year 1999 passes without issue)

Based on:4,700 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	365
Brake pipe excessively corroded	314
Registration plate issues	148
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	146
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits \|7.3.D.3\|	136
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	87
Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	82
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	82
Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	77
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	56
Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault \|5.4.2\|	54
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive \|7.3.D.4\|	50
Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	49
Nearside Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	48
Offside Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	48
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	47
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	47
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	47
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	45
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	42
Nearside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	36
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	35
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	34
Registration plate lamp issues	34
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	32
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	29
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	27
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	27
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	26
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	26
Rear brake binding	25
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	25
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	23
Nearside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	22
Offside Front Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	22
Offside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	21
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	21
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	20
Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	20
Offside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	18
Offside Front coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	18
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	18
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	18
Windscreen has damage	18
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	18
Nearside Front Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	17
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	16
Nearside Front Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	15
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	15
Nearside Front coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	14
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	14
Offside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	13
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	13
Offside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	13
Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))	13
Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))	12
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	12
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	12
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	12
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	12
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	12
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	12
Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	12
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	11
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	11
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	11
Offside Front Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	11
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	11
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	11
Nearside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	10
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	10
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	10
Offside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	10
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	10
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	10
Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits \|8.2.1.2 \|c\|\|	10
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	10
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Offside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	9
Offside Rear Upper Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	9
Offside Front coil spring cracked \|2.4.C.1a\|	9
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	9
Brake hose has insufficient room to move	8
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Nearside Rear Trailing arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Front brake application uneven	8
Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	8
Rear brake application uneven	8
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	8
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Offside Front Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	8
Centre Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	7
Nearside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	7
Offside Rear Trailing arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Windscreen washer not working	7
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	7
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	7
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	7
Offside Rear coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	7
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))	7
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	7
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	7
Nearside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	7
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	6
Offside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	6
Nearside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	6
Front Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	6
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	6
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	6
Stop lamp remains on when the brakes are released	6
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	6
Nearside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	6
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	6
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	6
Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))	6
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	6
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	6
Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking from a joint \|2.3.3b\|	6
Nearside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	6
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	5
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	5
Offside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))	5
Offside Front Coil spring fractured or broken \|5.3.1 \|b\| \|i\|\|	5
Emissions not tested \|7.3.A.1\|	5
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	5
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	5
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	5
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	5
Offside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	5
Front brake excessively fluctuating	5
Brake hose damaged	5
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	5
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	5
Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturers specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))	5
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	5

We get to these numbers by trawling through over 1 billion MOT test results since 2004 and crunched the numbers. We remove anything to do with Tyres, as they are model independent and group together common non-model specific issues. We are trying to get to a picture of what models have what issues.

Please note: We take the data from the DVSA. This data is raw and can contain typos and spelling mistakes that garages may have entered while recording a MOT result. Specifically miss-match on names of models and makes. We are constantly cleaning the data so bear with the odd issue.

Got suggestions? We’re improving this section all the time. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	365
Brake pipe excessively corroded	314
Registration plate issues	148
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	146
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits \|7.3.D.3\|	136
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault	87
Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	82
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	82
Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	77
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	56
Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault \|5.4.2\|	54
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive \|7.3.D.4\|	50
Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	49
Nearside Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	48
Offside Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	48
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	47
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	47
Offside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	47
Nearside Front coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	45
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	42
Nearside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	36
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	35
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	34
Registration plate lamp issues	34
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive \|7.3.D.3\|	32
Offside Front coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	29
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	27
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	27
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	26
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	26
Rear brake binding	25
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	25
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	23
Nearside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	22
Offside Front Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	22
Offside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	21
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	21
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	20
Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	20
Offside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	18
Offside Front coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	18
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	18
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	18
Windscreen has damage	18
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	18
Nearside Front Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	17
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	16
Nearside Front Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	15
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	15
Nearside Front coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	14
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	14
Offside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	13
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	13
Offside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	13
Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))	13
Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))	12
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	12
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	12
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	12
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	12
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	12
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	12
Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	12
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	11
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	11
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	11
Offside Front Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	11
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	11
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	11
Nearside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	10
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	10
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	10
Offside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	10
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	10
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	10
Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits \|8.2.1.2 \|c\|\|	10
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	10
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	9
Offside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	9
Offside Rear Upper Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	9
Offside Front coil spring cracked \|2.4.C.1a\|	9
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Offside Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	9
Brake hose has insufficient room to move	8
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Nearside Rear Trailing arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Front brake application uneven	8
Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	8
Rear brake application uneven	8
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	8
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Offside Front Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	8
Centre Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	7
Nearside Rear coil spring fractured \|2.4.C.1a\|	7
Offside Rear Trailing arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Windscreen washer not working	7
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	7
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	7
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	7
Offside Rear coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	7
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))	7
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	7
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	7
Nearside Rear Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	7
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	6
Offside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	6
Nearside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	6
Front Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	6
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	6
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	6
Stop lamp remains on when the brakes are released	6
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	6
Nearside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	6
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	6
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	6
Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))	6
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	6
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	6
Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking from a joint \|2.3.3b\|	6
Nearside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	6
Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Offside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	5
Power steering pipe\|s\| or hose\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	5
Offside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))	5
Offside Front Coil spring fractured or broken \|5.3.1 \|b\| \|i\|\|	5
Emissions not tested \|7.3.A.1\|	5
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	5
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	5
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	5
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	5
Offside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	5
Front brake excessively fluctuating	5
Brake hose damaged	5
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	5
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	5
Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturers specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))	5
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	5

MOT History from tests of petrol BMW M3s year 1999

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