BMW 330 (2001)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 53 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Total Tests (2024)
53
Avg Mileage
104,399 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 2001 BMW 330 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 23 years old, 87% of BMW 330s from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 53 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 104,399 miles.
How does the 2001 BMW 330 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2001 BMW 330 has 104,399 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a BMW 330?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2001 sits between the two at 87%.
How much does a 2001 BMW 330 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 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 |
Checking a specific BMW 330?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2001 BMW 330
The 2001 BMW 330 is a premium performance with a 2979cc petrol engine. 53 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 2001 cars for reliability.
With an average of 104,399 miles at 23 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2001 BMW 330?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2001 BMW 330
At 23 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.
Alternatives to the 2001 BMW 330
The BMW 330 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premium performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2001) 77% pass rate (-10%) from 9,406 tests
- BMW Z3 (1999) 78% pass rate (-9%) from 8,191 tests
- BMW Z4 (2003) 79% pass rate (-8%) from 5,310 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2003) 82% pass rate (-5%) from 5,008 tests