1991 BMW 3 Series: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1991 BMW 3 Series?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1991 BMW 3 Series than on all cars registered in 1991.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.7× usual
  BMW 3 Series

  8.4% All 1991 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.5% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Corroded fuel pipes2.9× usual
  BMW 3 Series

  3.8% All 1991 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes2.4× usual
  BMW 3 Series

  3.1% All 1991 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 1991 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 1991 BMW 3 Series MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1991 BMW 3 Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  26% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  22% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  17% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  13% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  13% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Rust and bodywork
  9% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1991 BMW 3 Series

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1991 BMW 3 Series as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 1991 BMW 3 Series as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1991 BMW 3 Series as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?