BMW 320 (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 30 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
77%
Total Tests (2024)
30
Avg Mileage
119,901 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 2003 BMW 320 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 21 years old, 77% of BMW 320s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 30 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 119,901 miles.
How does the 2003 BMW 320 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 BMW 320 has 119,901 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a BMW 320?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2003 sits between the two at 77%.
How much does a 2003 BMW 320 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 320 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 97% | 61 | 22,624 mi |
| 2021 | 92% | 2,533 | 29,483 mi |
| 2020 | 92% | 9,105 | 34,897 mi |
| 2019 | 92% | 14,440 | 42,764 mi |
| 2018 | 91% | 17,053 | 59,320 mi |
| 2017 | 90% | 26,367 | 71,271 mi |
| 2016 | 90% | 6,365 | 78,781 mi |
| 2015 | 90% | 555 | 79,550 mi |
| 2014 | 85% | 441 | 82,085 mi |
| 2013 | 89% | 611 | 77,974 mi |
| 2012 | 83% | 409 | 87,516 mi |
| 2011 | 87% | 260 | 84,622 mi |
| 2010 | 86% | 291 | 91,150 mi |
| 2009 | 81% | 162 | 104,384 mi |
| 2008 | 84% | 177 | 101,514 mi |
| 2007 | 79% | 167 | 121,206 mi |
| 2006 | 74% | 145 | 143,980 mi |
| 2005 | 73% | 63 | 128,780 mi |
| 2004 | 82% | 49 | 131,336 mi |
| 2003 | 77% | 30 | 119,901 mi |
| 1990 | 86% | 35 | 111,395 mi |
Checking a specific BMW 320?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 BMW 320
The 2003 BMW 320 is a premium with a 2171cc diesel engine. 30 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 119,901 miles at 21 years old, BMW 320 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 BMW 320 Fuel Costs
The 2171cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 2003 BMW 320?
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 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 320 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 320s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 BMW 320
At 21 years old, the BMW 320 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 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 97%. Note: with only 30 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2003 BMW 320
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2005) 72% pass rate (-5%) from 41,401 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2005) 73% pass rate (-4%) from 24,685 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (2005) 72% pass rate (-5%) from 20,813 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (2005) 78% pass rate (+1%) from 17,079 tests