1997 BMW 316 1.6L Petrol · P23 LAK
1997 BMW 316 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 06/01/1997. Recorded mileage 68,857 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- BMW 316
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 08/10/2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 68,857 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Archived Record
Registration no longer recorded by DVLA. This usually means the vehicle is now using a private plate.
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1997
- Engine
- 1596cc
P23 LAK Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/10/2023
- 68,857 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: 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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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P23 LAK Mileage History
- 05/10/202166,982 mi
- 05/10/202267,390 mi+408 mi
- 09/10/202368,857 mi+1,467 mi
Average of roughly 933 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
P23 LAK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 BMW 316 (P23 LAK) between October 2021 and October 2023.
The record contains 3 passes and 0 failures.
No failures or advisories appear anywhere in the recorded tests, so the documented MOT record is relatively clean.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A potentially interesting low-mileage classic, but proceed with caution regarding age-related maintenance. The recent MOT history is clean, but the vehicle's age requires a thorough mechanical inspection.
Given the low annual usage, your primary focus should be on age-related wear and tear rather than high-mileage fatigue. Check all rubber components, such as suspension bushings, coolant hoses, and tyre sidewalls, as these can perish even if the car is rarely driven. Ensure that the petrol system and fuel lines have been inspected for any signs of degradation due to long periods of inactivity.
When negotiating, ask for evidence of any preventative maintenance that might not appear on an MOT certificate. Because the MOT records show no defects since 2021, you should verify if the vehicle has had regular oil changes and fluid flushes to prevent internal engine sludge, which can occur in low-mileage vehicles that sit for extended periods.
As a 1.6L petrol model from the late 1990s, running costs are relatively predictable. Fuel economy will be moderate, typical for a BMW of this era, and insurance groups for older 3-series models are generally manageable for most drivers.
Maintenance costs can vary; while parts for this generation are widely available, specialist labour for older BMWs can be higher. Expect typical maintenance costs to involve periodic replacement of consumables like tyres and brakes. An estimated annual running cost is approximately £900-£1,200, depending on usage and insurance profile.
Based on the aggregate data for this model, pay close attention to the tyres, headlamps, and anti-roll bars, as these are common failure points across the wider 3-series fleet. Even though this specific vehicle has passed its recent tests without issue, these components are statistically likely to require attention.
Additionally, inspect the underside for any signs of corrosion, which is a common concern for 1990s vehicles. Check the condition of the suspension components and the integrity of the braking system, ensuring there are no leaks or excessive play that could lead to a future MOT failure.
This 1997 BMW 316 presents with significantly lower mileage than the model average, having covered 68,857 miles over nearly 30 years. The MOT history for the last three years shows a consistent pass rate with no recorded defects or advisories. While the low mileage is a positive factor, buyers should consider the implications of a vehicle that has been driven less than the 6,658-mile annual average.
Aggregate data shows a 79.0% MOT pass rate for this model across 14,902 analysed vehicles, with common failures relating to tyres, lighting, and anti-roll bars.
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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