BMW M3 (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 575 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

87%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3201cc Petrol

Solid Option

87% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. 5 points above average.

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Petrol3201cc28 years old575 tests100k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3201cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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 M3s from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 575 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 99,827 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models40th of 325(top 13%)

Rank among BMW models1005th of 1,548(bottom half)

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

vs 1998 models average+12%(75% avg)

vs BMW average-1%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

99,827

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 BMW M3 had 99,827 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 84%. The 1998 scores 87%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW M3 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	96%	2,770	39,337 mi
2017	94%	3,761	44,109 mi
2016	95%	3,045	51,414 mi
2015	96%	2,366	58,218 mi
2014	93%	1,009	61,459 mi
2013	94%	920	52,129 mi
2012	93%	1,463	61,117 mi
2011	92%	1,593	69,269 mi
2010	92%	1,787	72,560 mi
2009	93%	1,844	81,000 mi
2008	91%	2,873	83,256 mi
2007	93%	1,081	92,362 mi
2006	89%	633	84,058 mi
2005	89%	1,752	91,815 mi
2004	89%	2,681	98,105 mi
2003	89%	3,515	100,457 mi
2002	88%	2,430	104,512 mi
2001	89%	552	112,063 mi
1999	87%	403	91,828 mi
1998	87%	575	99,827 mi
1997	90%	598	107,612 mi
1996	86%	526	109,107 mi
1995	88%	416	111,955 mi
1994	84%	220	119,067 mi
1993	76%	41	128,458 mi
1991	100%	51	95,928 mi
1990	95%	110	91,917 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-9%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

same

Mercedes C

1999 · 2799cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

-5%

Volvo 900 Series

1997 · 2922cc Petrol

£2,888/year

74%

-13%

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About the 1998 BMW M3

The 1998 BMW M3 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3201cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 575 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 13% of all 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 99,827 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW M3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 BMW M3 Fuel Costs

The 3201cc 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 1998 BMW M3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 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 M3 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW M3s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1998 BMW M3

At 28 years old, the BMW M3 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.

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 28 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 100k 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 1998 BMW M3 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 M3(1998)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£150
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Mercedes C(1999)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738same
Volvo 900 Series(1997)	74%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888+£150

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 1998 BMW M3

Is the 1998 BMW M3 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MOT tests on 1998 BMW M3s ended in a pass, from 575 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 1998 BMW M3 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 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 1998 BMW M3?

87% of 575 MOT tests on the 1998 BMW M3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 40th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (top 13%).

Which year BMW M3 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 BMW M3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 96% and the 1994 the lowest at 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 BMW M3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 BMW M3 is 99,827 miles, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.