CarCostCheck

BMW 3 (2013)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 37 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1990cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1990cc13 years old37 tests79k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1990cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,361
Per month£197/mo
Per week£45/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

86% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

86% of MOT tests on BMW 3s from 2013 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 11 years old. That's based on 37 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 79,004 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 models239th of 588(top half)
Rank among BMW models1102nd of 1,548(bottom half)
vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)
vs 2013 models average+6%(80% avg)
vs BMW average-2%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

79,004

Average miles

vs

81,400

Expected for age

The average 2013 BMW 3 had 79,004 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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BMW 3 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201487%11471,139 mi
201386%3779,004 mi
200991%34101,097 mi

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About the 2013 BMW 3

The 2013 BMW 3 is a premium car. Our records list a 1990cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 37 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 79,004 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2013 BMW 3 Fuel Costs

The 1990cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2013 BMW 3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2013 BMW 3

At 13 years old, the BMW 3 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 37 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 13 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2013 BMW 3 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
BMW 3(2013)86%£1,631£325Grp 18-32£2,361
Ford Focus(2013)78%£1,398£275Grp 12-25£2,228-£133
Nissan Qashqai(2013)72%£1,398£275Grp 12-25£2,228-£133
BMW 3 Series(2015)88%£1,398£275Grp 12-25£2,078-£283
Mercedes C(2012)79%£1,631£325Grp 18-32£2,511+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2013 BMW 3

Is the 2013 BMW 3 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2013 BMW 3s ended in a pass, from 37 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2013 BMW 3 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2013 BMW 3?

86% of 37 MOT tests on the 2013 BMW 3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 239th of 588 models first registered in 2013 (top half).

What is the average mileage for a 2013 BMW 3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2013 BMW 3 is 79,004 miles, which is in line with the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Explore other BMW cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the BMW 3.

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