2003 BMW 3 Series petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  BMW 3 Series

  27% All 2003 cars

  15%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Flexible brake hoses1.7× usual
  BMW 3 Series

  9.8% All 2003 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, 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.

• Link ball joint covers1.7× usual
  BMW 3 Series

  3.9% All 2003 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1.3% 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints1.8× usual
  BMW 3 Series

  3.1% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.4% of all 2003 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 2003 BMW 3 Series petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Brakes
  42% 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.

• Suspension
  37% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  29% 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.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  25% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% 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 petrol

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 petrol

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 engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2003 BMW 3 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2003 BMW 3 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2003 BMW 3 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?