BMW 330 (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 49 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,158

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

63%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2979cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

63% pass rate, £3,158/year to run. 19 points below average.

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Petrol2979cc23 years old49 tests123k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2979cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,158

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/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

63% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 19 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

63% of MOT tests on BMW 330s from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 49 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 123,227 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models406th of 429(bottom 6%)

Rank among BMW models1546th of 1,548(bottom 1%)

vs average of all models-19%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average-9%(72% avg)

vs BMW average-25%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

123,227

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 BMW 330 had 123,227 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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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 2003 scores 63%. 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%

+14%

Mercedes E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

+15%

Porsche Boxster

2005 · 3197cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

+23%

Volvo XC90

2005 · 2922cc Petrol

£2,958/year

73%

+10%

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About the 2003 BMW 330

The 2003 BMW 330 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2979cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 49 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 6% of 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 123,227 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 330 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 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 2003 BMW 330?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,158 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 63% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

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 2003 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 49 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 23 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 123k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 63% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 2003 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(2003)	63%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£3,158
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£200
Mercedes E(2004)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£145
Porsche Boxster(2005)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153-£5
Volvo XC90(2005)	73%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£200

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 2003 BMW 330

Is the 2003 BMW 330 reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 63% of MOT tests on 2003 BMW 330s ended in a pass, from 49 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 19 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 BMW 330 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,158 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 BMW 330?

63% of 49 MOT tests on the 2003 BMW 330 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 406th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (bottom 6%).

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 2003 BMW 330?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 BMW 330 is 123,227 miles, 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.