BMW 330 (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 49 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
63%
Total Tests (2024)
49
Avg Mileage
123,227 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,597
Is the 2003 BMW 330 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 19 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 21 years old, 63% of BMW 330s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 49 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 123,227 miles.
How does the 2003 BMW 330 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 BMW 330 has 123,227 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 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 2003 sits between the two at 63%.
How much does a 2003 BMW 330 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
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 2003 BMW 330
The 2003 BMW 330 is a premium performance with a 2979cc petrol engine. 49 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 95% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 123,227 miles at 21 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 BMW 330?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,597 (£216/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 BMW 330
At 21 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.
Alternatives to the 2003 BMW 330
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2001) 77% pass rate (+14%) from 9,406 tests
- MERCEDES E (2004) 78% pass rate (+15%) from 8,333 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2005) 86% pass rate (+23%) from 6,992 tests
- VOLVO XC90 (2005) 73% pass rate (+10%) from 6,336 tests