Used car guide

2003 BMW Alpina: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW Alpina first registered in 2003: we looked at the 152 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 152 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

152MOTs of 2003 cars, done in 2023–2025
81%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 57%)
4,800typical miles a year
27%had brakes flagged

Common 2003 BMW Alpina MOT failures and advisories

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

  • Brakes
    27% 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
    24% 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.

  • Tyres
    16% 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
    15% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    9% 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
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 BMW Alpina

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a BMW Alpina?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the BMW Alpina compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023–Too new for MOT data
2022–Too few tests
2021218Tyres 21%
2020–Too few tests
2019196Tyres 16%
2018165Tyres 18%
2017114Tyres 15%
2016170Tyres 24%
2015181Tyres 23%
2012136Suspension 17%
2011247Tyres 23%
2010274Suspension 25%
2009257Suspension 32%
2008283Tyres 19%
2007423Brakes 35%
2006210Brakes 26%
2005112Brakes 23%
2004215Brakes 21%
2002191Brakes 26%
2001123Brakes 32%
2000172Suspension 27%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW Alpina cars first registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score