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BMW M3 F80 (2014-2018) reliability

At a glance

BMW M3 F80 built around 2018: about average at the MOT

BMW M3 F80 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a BMW M3 F80?

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

Key figure

10% of MOT tests on BMW M3 F80 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 10% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW M3 F80 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

BMW M3 F80
excellent reliability2014-2018SaloonPETROL

Based on 3,641 tests of M3 models registered 2014-2018.

About 1 in 30 M3 F80 MOTs (3.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,139 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). 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 25 M3 F80 MOTs (3.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 1,139 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

F80 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
30711.1%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,1399.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
90010.0%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
7749.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
4138.2%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1086.5%

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 6 years old.

How the M3 F80 compares

At each age below, see how the M3 F80 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 156,618 tests across 18 BMW models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
30711.1%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,1399.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
90010.0%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
7749.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
4138.2%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
1086.5%

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 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.

Windscreen

If you have time

Inspect for chips and cracks in the wiper sweep area (Zone A) — these will fail an MOT.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the M3 F80.

  1. 1

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.4%
    Dangerous
    3.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.4%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 1.4%, against 3.2% for the BMW M3 F80.

    1,615 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Porsche Panamera

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4%
    Dangerous
    5.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    86.2%

    No clear edge over the BMW M3 F80 on these figures.

    1,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Mercedes-Benz S-Class

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.8%
    Dangerous
    3.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    74.5%

    No clear edge over the BMW M3 F80 on these figures.

    2,348 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Mercedes-Benz CLS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.5%
    Dangerous
    6.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    83.3%

    No clear edge over the BMW M3 F80 on these figures.

    1,155 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

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

34 recalls in all

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

14 of the 34 M3 F80 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 5 Critical
  • 9 more

Top concerns

  • Takata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (global VINs)
  • A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is
  • Exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak

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

What has gone wrong on M3 F80 cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 52 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
8%
Emissions
2%

Wear items

Tyres
33%
Brakes
2%
How M3 F80 cars have aged

How M3 F80 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%357911Age at MOTBuilt around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (824 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 8.3% (763 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 9.6% (701 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 8.3% (640 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (634 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (728 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.2% (626 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.6% (595 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (561 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 10.0% (529 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (574 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.2% (547 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 9.3% (474 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 11.0% (473 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 8.6% (453 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 10.1% (367 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.3% (341 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.0% (322 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 7.6% (277 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 8.7% (275 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 9.8% (123 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 4.8% (104 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 10.9% (110 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 11.7% (111 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 6.5% (108 tests, 2025 data)2014
First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015
F80 variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on BMW M3 models of this age

This list covers every BMW M3 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the F80 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

    8.3%
    Advisory: 148Fail: 6 (4% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.9%
    Advisory: 85Fail: 54 (39% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    3.5%
    Advisory: 58Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    3.4%
    Advisory: 16Fail: 32 (67% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Minor

    Windscreen damaged, but the driver can still see clearly

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

Based on 1,139 tests

Looking at a BMW M3 F80?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the BMW M3 F80 (2014-2018) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,139 7-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 3,641 MOT tests on BMW M3 models first registered between 2014-2018. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.