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BMW 330 (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 62 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,658

£222/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2979cc Petrol

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £2,658/year to run. 8 points above average.

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Petrol2979cc24 years old62 tests93k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2979cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200
Total per year£2,658
Per month£222/mo
Per week£51/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

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

90% of MOT tests on BMW 330s from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 62 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 92,597 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models35th of 391(top 9%)
Rank among BMW models759th of 1,548(top half)
vs average of all models+8%(82% avg)
vs 2002 models average+17%(73% avg)
vs BMW average+2%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

92,597

Average miles

vs

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 BMW 330 had 92,597 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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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 2002 scores 90%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 330 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202191%45840,582 mi
202091%11,84349,099 mi
201992%9,59156,271 mi
201892%5,86467,790 mi
201790%12,92274,493 mi
201690%2,53381,221 mi
201588%15292,658 mi
201481%131106,045 mi
201390%125111,956 mi
201285%124106,334 mi
201177%3995,730 mi
200990%5195,480 mi
200894%47114,646 mi
200772%53140,923 mi
200670%76144,436 mi
200589%54109,599 mi
200363%49123,227 mi
200290%6292,597 mi
200187%53104,399 mi

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About the 2002 BMW 330

The 2002 BMW 330 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2979cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 62 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 9% of all 2002 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 92,597 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 330 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2002 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 2002 BMW 330?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,658 (£222/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

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 2002 BMW 330

At 24 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 62 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 24 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

Medium risk

With an average of 93k 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 2002 BMW 330 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
BMW 330(2002)90%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,658
BMW 3 Series(2001)77%£1,958£445Grp 30-42£2,958+£300
Mercedes E(2004)78%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,303+£645
BMW Z4(2003)79%£1,958£445Grp 25-38£2,958+£300
Porsche Boxster(2003)82%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153+£495

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 2002 BMW 330

Is the 2002 BMW 330 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of MOT tests on 2002 BMW 330s ended in a pass, from 62 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 BMW 330 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,658 a year (£222 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 BMW 330?

90% of 62 MOT tests on the 2002 BMW 330 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 35th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top 9%).

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 2002 BMW 330?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 BMW 330 is 92,597 miles, 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.

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Related Guides

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