2001 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · NY51 BZX
2001 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 168,050 miles. MOT expired on 18 Jul 2019. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Stockton-on-Tees
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 18 Jul 2019
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (31 May 2019)
- Recorded Mileage
- 168,050 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.
NY51 BZX Key Findings
- 18 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 19/07/2018
- 168,050 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
NY51 BZX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
18 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 BMW 3 Series (NY51 BZX) between August 2006 and July 2018.
The record contains 13 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 19 July 2018 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 5 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (8 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 16 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 Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick Both rear (1.1.13 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))”.
NY51 BZX Mileage History
- 15/08/200673,797 mi
- 08/08/200787,023 mi+13,226 mi
- 14/08/2008105,538 mi+18,515 mi
- 17/08/2009115,814 mi+10,276 mi
- 16/08/2010128,667 mi+12,853 mi
- 08/08/2011138,343 mi+9,676 mi
- 08/08/2011138,343 mi
- 27/07/2012143,637 mi+5,294 mi
- 27/07/2012143,637 mi
- 16/08/2013148,667 mi+5,030 mi
- 16/08/2013148,667 mi
- 13/08/2014149,742 mi+1,075 mi
- 16/08/2014149,766 mi+24 mi
- 18/08/2015154,863 mi+5,097 mi
- 06/08/2016161,021 mi+6,158 mi
- 23/08/2017162,985 mi+1,964 mi
- 19/07/2018168,050 mi+5,065 mi
- 19/07/2018168,050 mi
Average of roughly 7,903 miles per year across 18 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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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