BMW 3 SERIES (2002)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 14,796 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Total Tests (2024)
14,796
Avg Mileage
121,727 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 2002 BMW 3 SERIES reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 22 years old, 79% of BMW 3 SERIESs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 14,796 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 121,727 miles.
How does the 2002 BMW 3 SERIES compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2002 BMW 3 SERIES has 121,727 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a BMW 3 SERIES?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 77%. The 2002 sits between the two at 79%.
How much does a 2002 BMW 3 SERIES cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW 3 SERIES by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 93% | 908 | 28,473 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 7,526 | 41,101 mi |
| 2019 | 91% | 27,338 | 48,949 mi |
| 2018 | 91% | 19,475 | 56,573 mi |
| 2017 | 90% | 8,077 | 67,957 mi |
| 2016 | 90% | 48,559 | 80,506 mi |
| 2015 | 88% | 61,659 | 89,425 mi |
| 2014 | 87% | 63,059 | 101,192 mi |
| 2013 | 85% | 71,326 | 106,062 mi |
| 2012 | 82% | 68,955 | 111,893 mi |
| 2011 | 81% | 57,568 | 119,984 mi |
| 2010 | 80% | 52,791 | 122,709 mi |
| 2009 | 80% | 49,275 | 121,100 mi |
| 2008 | 80% | 48,705 | 125,171 mi |
| 2007 | 80% | 55,686 | 130,265 mi |
| 2006 | 80% | 40,353 | 136,490 mi |
| 2005 | 78% | 24,924 | 133,038 mi |
| 2004 | 78% | 18,555 | 124,569 mi |
| 2003 | 78% | 19,201 | 122,025 mi |
| 2002 | 79% | 14,796 | 121,727 mi |
| 2001 | 77% | 9,406 | 117,601 mi |
| 2000 | 77% | 4,799 | 114,997 mi |
| 1999 | 78% | 7,815 | 113,190 mi |
| 1998 | 79% | 6,287 | 122,358 mi |
| 1997 | 79% | 4,853 | 120,261 mi |
| 1996 | 82% | 3,215 | 116,915 mi |
| 1995 | 80% | 2,059 | 114,256 mi |
| 1994 | 78% | 1,263 | 115,103 mi |
| 1993 | 82% | 1,173 | 110,323 mi |
| 1992 | 84% | 1,309 | 110,038 mi |
| 1991 | 82% | 1,861 | 119,331 mi |
| 1990 | 84% | 3,316 | 122,194 mi |
Checking a specific BMW 3 SERIES?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2002 BMW 3 SERIES
The 2002 BMW 3 SERIES is a premium performance with a 2926cc diesel engine. 14,796 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. It ranks in the top 24% of all 2002 cars for reliability.
With an average of 121,727 miles at 22 years old, BMW 3 SERIES owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 BMW 3 SERIES Fuel Costs
The 2926cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2002 BMW 3 SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 3 SERIES Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 3 SERIESs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 BMW 3 SERIES
At 22 years old, the BMW 3 SERIES 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. With 14,796 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2002 BMW 3 SERIES
The BMW 3 SERIES is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel premium performances from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (2004) 73% pass rate (-6%) from 19,211 tests
- AUDI A4 (2004) 74% pass rate (-5%) from 12,946 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (2004) 77% pass rate (-2%) from 12,321 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (2003) 77% pass rate (-2%) from 8,035 tests