BMW M3 G80/G81 (2021-present) reliability
BMW M3 G80/G81 built around 2021: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of BMW M3 G80/G81 models built around 2021 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at a BMW M3 G80/G81?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.
Based on 1,341 tests of M3 models registered 2021+.
About 1 in 15 petrol M3 cars registered in 2022 (7.4%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 716 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
G80/G81 fail rate by age
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 3 years old.
How the M3 G80/G81 compares
At each age below, see how the M3 G80/G81 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 107,852 tests across 22 BMW models, built around 2021 (4 years old).
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 pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk 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 checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck 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 G80/G81.
- 1
Lexus ES
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.6%
- Dangerous
- 2.5%
Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 0.6%, against 2.0% for the BMW M3 G80/G81.
1,316 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 2
Tesla Model 3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 4.1%
- Dangerous
- 7.1%
No clear edge over the BMW M3 G80/G81 on these figures.
34,169 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 3
Volkswagen Passat
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.9%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.5%
- Dangerous
- 4%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 83.2%
No clear edge over the BMW M3 G80/G81 on these figures.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
5,683 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 4
Porsche Taycan
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7.9%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.3%
- Dangerous
- 4.5%
No clear edge over the BMW M3 G80/G81 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,120 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 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.
Recall context
17 recalls in allIncludes recalls GOV.UK files under the BMW 3 Series, the model this one is based on.
5 of the 17 M3 G80/G81 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 5 recalls
Top concerns
- On affected vehicles ingress of transmission fluid may occur to the integrated transmission control unit within the mech
- It is possible a screw of mechatronics transmission control may be missing
- The screw connection of the front seat belt buckle assembly to the seat frame may not be tightened properly
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on M3 G80/G81 cars built around 2021
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 59 cars.
G80/G81 variants compared
Most common issues on BMW M3 models of this age
This list covers every BMW M3 built around 2021, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the G80/G81 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 113.2%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 24.3%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 31.8%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 41.6%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
- 51.3%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Based on 447 tests
Looking at a BMW M3 G80/G81?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2021 (4 years old), the BMW M3 G80/G81 (2021-present) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 446 4-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.