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BMW M3 E90/E92/E93 (2007-2013) reliability

At a glance

BMW M3 E90/E92/E93 built around 2013: fails its MOT less often than average

BMW M3 E90/E92/E93 models built around 2013 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a BMW M3 E90/E92/E93?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

11% of MOT tests on BMW M3 E90/E92/E93 models built around 2013 ended in a fail (retests included), against 17% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW M3 E90/E92/E93 models built around 2013 involves the tyres.

BMW M3 E90/E92/E93
excellent reliability2007-2013SaloonPETROL

Based on 4,949 tests of M3 models registered 2007-2013.

About 1 in 25 M3 E90/E92/E93 MOTs (4.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2013 (12 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 514 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 2.8% and 6.4%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 50 M3 E90/E92/E93 MOTs (2.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2013 (12 years old).

Based on 514 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 1.2% and 3.8%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

E90/E92/E93 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2347.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
51411.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
7239.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
7119.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
75510.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
90211.5%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
98113.9%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
12914.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 18 years old.

How the M3 E90/E92/E93 compares

At each age below, see how the M3 E90/E92/E93 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 129,527 tests across 13 BMW models, built around 2013 (12 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2347.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
51411.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
7239.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
7119.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
75510.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
90211.5%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
98113.9%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
12914.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the M3 E90/E92/E93.

  1. 1

    Volkswagen Jetta

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.6%

    No clear edge over the BMW M3 E90/E92/E93 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,583 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  2. 2

    Volkswagen CC

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.1%
    Dangerous
    7.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    75.9%

    No clear edge over the BMW M3 E90/E92/E93 on these figures.

    4,023 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  3. 3

    Hyundai i40

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.1%
    Dangerous
    8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    75.2%

    No clear edge over the BMW M3 E90/E92/E93 on these figures.

    3,971 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  4. 4

    Chevrolet Cruze

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    30.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6%
    Dangerous
    7.2%

    No clear edge over the BMW M3 E90/E92/E93 on these figures.

    1,699 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the BMW M3.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

31 recalls in all

Includes recalls GOV.UK files under the BMW 3 Series, the model this one is based on.

14 of the 31 M3 E90/E92/E93 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 5 Critical
  • 9 more

Top concerns

  • Takata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (global VINs)
  • Plug in contact cable may malfunction
  • Exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How M3 E90/E92/E93 cars have aged

How M3 E90/E92/E93 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%81012141618Age at MOTBuilt around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 7.2% (307 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 7.0% (286 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (278 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 8.1% (259 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 10.4% (251 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 11.8% (441 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 10.0% (409 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (400 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (393 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 9.8% (389 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (467 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 11.0% (419 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 8.5% (389 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (396 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 8.6% (385 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (433 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (399 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 11.9% (388 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 11.1% (370 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 9.4% (363 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (457 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (430 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 11.8% (399 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 9.9% (383 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 11.0% (356 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (815 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 13.0% (740 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 9.4% (660 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (674 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 13.7% (628 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 12.0% (200 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (165 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (139 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 11.2% (134 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (129 tests, 2025 data)2007
First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010
E90/E92/E93 variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on BMW M3 models of this age

This list covers every BMW M3 built around 2013, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the E90/E92/E93 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    11.1%
    Advisory: 89Fail: 4 (4% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    5.6%
    Advisory: 40Fail: 12 (23% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    3.3%
    Advisory: 22Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    3.1%
    Advisory: 25Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords

    3.1%
    Advisory: 5Fail: 14 (74% of the times it was found)

Based on 514 tests

Looking at a BMW M3 E90/E92/E93?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2013 (12 years old), the BMW M3 E90/E92/E93 (2007-2013) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 514 12-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 4,949 MOT tests on BMW M3 models first registered between 2007-2013. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.