BMW M3 (2016)
2016 BMW M3
CarHunch analysed 843 real MOT records for the 2016 BMW M3. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2016 BMW M3 passes its MOT first time at 90.8%, well ahead of the UK average of 80%, which is a strong result. However, nearly one in four of these cars (22.7%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is a genuine red flag for a prospective buyer and warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
These M3s are running relatively low mileage for their age at a median of 35,630 miles, suggesting they've been cherished rather than thrashed—though the average of 0.73 failures per test and 3.3 advisories each indicate wear is beginning to show in areas like brakes, suspension and minor trim. Before buying, get an independent specialist inspection focused on the cooling system and electrical gremlins, which are typical weak points on high-output BMWs of this generation.
What to check before buying a 2016 BMW M3
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 22.7% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a BMW M3
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 841 | 90.8% | 0.74 |
| Other (0%) | 2 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2016 BMW M3 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2016 BMW M3 vehicles fall between 26,005 and 46,718 miles.
2016 BMW M3 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 710 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 92% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2016 BMW M3
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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24.2%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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23.9%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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13.7%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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11.7%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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9.8%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt ()
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9.6%
Nearside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed
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8.2%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
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7.7%
Offside Rear Nail in tyre ()
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific BMW M3?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.