2001 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Petrol · N300 ABS
2001 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Nov 2001. Recorded mileage 74,652 miles. MOT expired on 04 Jan 2017. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 04 Jan 2017
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 74,652 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.0L
- 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.
N300 ABS Key Findings
- 14 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 05/01/2016
- 74,652 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
N300 ABS MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
14 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 BMW 3 Series (N300 ABS) between October 2006 and January 2016.
The record contains 10 passes and 4 failures.
The most recent test on 05 January 2016 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 4 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (21 issues), Tyres (11 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). 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: “Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)”; “Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)”; “Nearside Front Tyre fouling a part of the vehicle (4.1.D.2)”.
N300 ABS Mileage History
- 21/10/200636,587 mi
- 23/10/200636,587 mi
- 18/10/200742,568 mi+5,981 mi
- 23/10/200845,729 mi+3,161 mi
- 23/10/200845,729 mi
- 26/10/200953,619 mi+7,890 mi
- 11/01/201054,267 mi+648 mi
- 12/01/201054,272 mi+5 mi
- 21/01/201159,827 mi+5,555 mi
- 02/07/201265,659 mi+5,832 mi
- 13/07/201265,664 mi+5 mi
- 03/07/201368,340 mi+2,676 mi
- 18/10/201472,034 mi+3,694 mi
- 05/01/201674,652 mi+2,618 mi
Average of roughly 4,134 miles per year across 14 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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BMW 3 SERIES Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
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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