BMW Z3 (2002)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,094 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3246cc Petrol

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol3246cc24 years old2,094 tests78k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3246cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

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

83% 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. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

83% of MOT tests on BMW Z3s from 2002 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 22 years old. That's based on 2,094 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 78,100 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2002 models64th of 391(top 17%)

Rank among BMW models1210th of 1,548(bottom 22%)

vs average of all models+1%(82% avg)

vs 2002 models average+10%(73% avg)

vs BMW average-5%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

78,100

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2002 BMW Z3 had 78,100 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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BMW Z3 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2011	90%	31	39,105 mi
2003	81%	138	74,358 mi
2002	83%	2,094	78,100 mi
2001	80%	3,147	81,138 mi
2000	79%	3,462	85,606 mi
1999	78%	8,191	89,294 mi
1998	77%	8,057	87,787 mi
1997	75%	5,268	93,349 mi
1996	63%	30	96,619 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2001 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

-6%

Mercedes E

2004 · 3199cc Petrol

£3,303/year

78%

-5%

Porsche Boxster

2003 · 3179cc Petrol

£3,153/year

82%

-1%

Porsche 911

2002 · 3596cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

+3%

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About the 2002 BMW Z3

The 2002 BMW Z3 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3246cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,094 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 17% of all 2002 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 78,100 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW Z3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

2002 BMW Z3 Fuel Costs

The 3246cc 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 Z3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW Z3 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW Z3s 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 Z3

At 24 years old, the BMW Z3 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.

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.

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 Z3 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 Z3(2002)	83%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958-£195
Mercedes E(2004)	78%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
Porsche Boxster(2003)	82%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same
Porsche 911(2002)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same

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 Z3

Is the 2002 BMW Z3 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MOT tests on 2002 BMW Z3s ended in a pass, from 2,094 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2002 BMW Z3 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2002 BMW Z3?

83% of 2,094 MOT tests on the 2002 BMW Z3 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 64th of 391 models first registered in 2002 (top 17%).

Which year BMW Z3 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2002 BMW Z3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 83% and the 1997 the lowest at 75%. 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 Z3?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2002 BMW Z3 is 78,100 miles, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.