BMW 330 (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 53 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

87%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2979cc Petrol

Solid Option

87% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. 5 points above average.

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Petrol2979cc25 years old53 tests104k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2979cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,808

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/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

87% 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.

87% of MOT tests on BMW 330s from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 53 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 104,399 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models40th of 350(top 12%)

Rank among BMW models1041st of 1,548(bottom half)

vs average of all models+5%(82% avg)

vs 2001 models average+14%(73% avg)

vs BMW average-1%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

104,399

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 BMW 330 had 104,399 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2014 model has the lowest at 81%. The 2001 scores 87%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 330 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	91%	458	40,582 mi
2020	91%	11,843	49,099 mi
2019	92%	9,591	56,271 mi
2018	92%	5,864	67,790 mi
2017	90%	12,922	74,493 mi
2016	90%	2,533	81,221 mi
2015	88%	152	92,658 mi
2014	81%	131	106,045 mi
2013	90%	125	111,956 mi
2012	85%	124	106,334 mi
2011	77%	39	95,730 mi
2009	90%	51	95,480 mi
2008	94%	47	114,646 mi
2007	72%	53	140,923 mi
2006	70%	76	144,436 mi
2005	89%	54	109,599 mi
2003	63%	49	123,227 mi
2002	90%	62	92,597 mi
2001	87%	53	104,399 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2001 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

-10%

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-9%

BMW Z4

2003 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,958/year

79%

-8%

Porsche Boxster

2003 · 3179cc Petrol

£3,153/year

82%

-5%

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About the 2001 BMW 330

The 2001 BMW 330 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2979cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 53 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 12% of all 2001 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 104,399 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 330 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2001 BMW 330 Fuel Costs

The 2979cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 2001 BMW 330?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 330 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 330s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2001 BMW 330

At 25 years old, the BMW 330 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 53 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 25 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 104k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

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 2001 BMW 330 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW 330(2001)	87%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£80
BMW Z4(2003)	79%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958+£150
Porsche Boxster(2003)	82%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153+£345

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 2001 BMW 330

Is the 2001 BMW 330 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MOT tests on 2001 BMW 330s ended in a pass, from 53 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 BMW 330 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 2001 BMW 330?

87% of 53 MOT tests on the 2001 BMW 330 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 40th of 350 models first registered in 2001 (top 12%).

Which year BMW 330 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 BMW 330 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2014 the lowest at 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2001 BMW 330?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 BMW 330 is 104,399 miles, which is below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.