2005 BMW 3 Series 2.9L Diesel · D23 ABN
2005 BMW 3 Series (2.9L, diesel). First registered 14 Oct 2005. Recorded mileage 204,398 miles. MOT expired on 23 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Jan 2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Chester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 23 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jan 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 204,398 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
D23 ABN Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/10/2025
- 204,398 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
D23 ABN MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2005 BMW 3 Series (D23 ABN) between October 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 09 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (4 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.
D23 ABN Mileage History
- 19/10/2022174,966 mi
- 25/10/2023185,715 mi+10,749 mi
- 23/10/2024194,354 mi+8,639 mi
- 23/10/2024194,354 mi
- 09/10/2025204,398 mi+10,044 mi
Average of roughly 9,897 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Approach this 2005 BMW 3 Series diesel with caution due to its very high mileage and a recent MOT failure for dangerous tyres. It may serve as a cheap runner, but budget for imminent suspension, brake, and tyre work.
Given the 204,398-mile odometer reading on this October 2005-registered D23ABN, prioritise evidence of regular servicing — a full BMW main-dealer or specialist history would help justify the high mileage. The October 2024 MOT failure for a near-side rear tyre with ply/cords exposed and an off-side rear tyre worn on the inner edge shows that neglect can occur; insist on four matching, legally compliant tyres before purchase. Use the recorded advisories (brake hose deterioration, worn hub bush, prop shaft coupling rust) as negotiation points, as these are upcoming replacement jobs on a 3.0-litre diesel estate/saloon of this age.
The 2993cc diesel engine in this BMW 3 Series will return modest fuel economy by modern standards but benefits from lower historic diesel tax bands; however, insurance group and road tax will reflect its 3.0-litre capacity. Maintenance on a 20-year-old high-mileage BMW is rarely cheap — the 2024/2025 advisories for brake hoses, suspension arms, and prop shaft couplings suggest ongoing wear-item costs. Estimated annual running cost including fuel, tax, insurance, and typical maintenance is around £1,400-£1,800 given the mileage and age.
The MOT history for D23ABN shows specific failures and advisories you should physically verify: in October 2024 the near-side rear tyre had exposed cords and the off-side rear was worn on the inner edge, so check all tyres for edge wear and sidewall damage. The October 2025 test noted both rear brake hoses slightly deteriorated and the off-side rear lower suspension arm hub bush worn, while the 2024 test flagged a prop shaft flexible coupling with rusty dust at bolt holes — inspect underneath for corrosion and coupling condition. Earlier 2022 advisories for rear shock misting and reduced damping mean the rear suspension should be bounce-tested and checked for oil leaks.
This silver 2005 BMW 3 Series 3.0-litre diesel (D23ABN) has covered 204,398 miles as of its October 2025 MOT, well above typical use for a 20-year-old car. The MOT history shows a failure in October 2024 for exposed tyre cords and worn tyres, though it passed a retest the same day after rectification. Recent advisories highlight deteriorating brake hoses, worn suspension bushes, and a degraded prop shaft coupling, indicating an ageing but still testable vehicle.
No aggregate MOT reliability data is available for the BMW 3 SERIES, so assessment is limited to this vehicle's individual history.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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