2003 BMW 3 Series diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 BMW 3 Series diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 BMW 3 Series diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Individual direction indicators2.7× usual
  BMW 3 Series

  8.5% All 2003 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.5% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Shock absorbers1.8× usual
  BMW 3 Series

  11.8% All 2003 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Ball joint1.8× usual
  BMW 3 Series

  11.6% All 2003 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Flexible brake hoses1.7× usual
  BMW 3 Series

  9.8% All 2003 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

Common 2003 BMW 3 Series diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 BMW 3 Series diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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
  48% 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
  35% 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
  33% 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
  14% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2003 BMW 3 Series diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Airbag, brake, wheel and suspension recalls

  All engines

  There were a few recalls over the years covering the side airbags, brakes, wheels and suspension.

  At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg.

  Source: What Car?: BMW 3 Series (1998-2005) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 BMW 3 Series diesel

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

1. Has all the recall work been done?
2. Any recent work on the individual direction indicators? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2003 BMW 3 Series diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2003 BMW 3 Series diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2003 BMW 3 Series diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?