2001 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · GY51 AKO
2001 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 28,423 miles. MOT expired on 11 Sept 2022. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Canterbury
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 11 Sept 2022
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (25 Mar 2022)
- Recorded Mileage
- 28,423 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
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.
GY51 AKO Key Findings
- 19 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 17/08/2021
- 28,423 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
GY51 AKO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
19 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 BMW 3 Series (GY51 AKO) between August 2005 and August 2021.
The record contains 17 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 17 August 2021 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (22 issues), Brakes (7 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 34 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: “Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)”.
GY51 AKO Mileage History
- 17/08/200510,702 mi
- 12/09/200612,201 mi+1,499 mi
- 21/08/200712,679 mi+478 mi
- 26/08/200812,825 mi+146 mi
- 20/08/200916,108 mi+3,283 mi
- 24/08/201017,837 mi+1,729 mi
- 25/08/201119,643 mi+1,806 mi
- 24/08/201220,868 mi+1,225 mi
- 02/09/201321,718 mi+850 mi
- 20/08/201422,490 mi+772 mi
- 21/08/201422,490 mi
- 20/08/201523,723 mi+1,233 mi
- 22/08/201625,002 mi+1,279 mi
- 23/08/201725,975 mi+973 mi
- 22/08/201826,808 mi+833 mi
- 15/08/201927,954 mi+1,146 mi
- 20/08/202028,392 mi+438 mi
- 17/08/202128,423 mi+31 mi
- 17/08/202128,423 mi
Average of roughly 1,108 miles per year across 19 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW 3 Series (E46)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2001 model year cars.
- Rear Subframe CrackingSerious
The rear floor can tear where the subframe mounts attach to the shell, especially on early cars and six-cylinder manuals. Ignoring it risks major structural damage.
- Cooling System OverhaulSerious
Expansion tanks, radiators, thermostats, and plastic-impeller-era water pumps fail with age. One overheating event can ruin the alloy straight-six.
- VANOS Seal WearModerate
The VANOS seals harden with age, flattening low-end torque and making the engine feel lethargic or uneven through the mid-range.
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