DVLA verified

MOT valid

1997 BMW Z31.9L Petrol

R473 BAX

Vehicle Insight Summary

BMW Z3 (1997, Petrol, 1895cc) — mileage recorded at 82,850. MOT status: valid. Road tax: not taxed. Check full history before buying.

MOT

Valid

Expires 30/05/2027

Tax

SORN

Statutory Off Road Notification

£8.99

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Mileage: 82,850
Fuel: Petrol
Year: 1997
Engine: 1895cc

Free vehicle health score

/ 100 · Good

Public record health check: Good.

Based on free DVLA & DVSA signals. Premium checks for stolen/finance/write-off history are locked below.

✓ Valid MOT

! Tax Status Unknown

✓ Good MOT pass rate (80%)

! Older vehicle

A score of 80 doesn't mean it's safe to buy. Private markers don't appear in public data.

Verified Experian Data

Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for R473BAX

Data provided by Experian

Stolen

Locked

Finance

Locked

Write-off

Locked

Salvage

Locked

Imported

Locked

Exported

Locked

Scrapped

Locked

Destruction

Locked

V5C Logbook

Locked

Premium Vehicle History Data Locked

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Data provided by Experian

Technical Specifications

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Full MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: 30 Jul 2026, 08:33

AI Analysis · MOT Narrative

Our records for this BMW Z3 (R473 BAX) from 1997 show a total of 5 MOT tests between May 2023 and May 2026.

The vehicle has achieved an overall 80% pass rate, with 4 passes and 1 failure recorded. The car boasts an impressive record, which typically reflects a conscientious ownership history.

The most commonly flagged areas across all MOT tests are: Brakes (14 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). These areas are worth paying attention to when inspecting this vehicle.

There are 36 advisory notices in the MOT history. Advisories are not failures but indicate areas that may need attention in the future.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

PASS

FAIL

ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide

AI-powered analysis based on real MOT data and market insights.

Buying Score

68/100

Risk Level

Medium

Est. Annual Cost

£1,100-£1,400

Mileage

The mileage of 82,850 miles is significa...

Our Verdict

A classic roadster with low mileage for its age, but it shows signs of persistent structural corrosion and maintenance neglect. It is a decent buy for an enthusiast willing to address the rust and oil leak issues before they become critical.

When inspecting this Z3, your priority must be the rear subframe and suspension. The MOT history has consistently noted corrosion in these mounting areas for several years; while currently described as 'not excessive', this is a known weakness on this model that can lead to structural failure if left untreated. Check the condition of the rear brake pipes thoroughly, as they have been flagged as corroded since 2023.

Under the bonnet, investigate the persistent oil leak mentioned in multiple MOT tests (often originating from the front of the engine). Determine if this is a simple valve cover gasket or a more significant rear seal issue. Additionally, check the tyre alignment; the history shows multiple instances of inner-edge wear on the front tyres, which suggests worn suspension bushings or incorrect geometry that needs professional attention to avoid ruining new tyres prematurely.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — AI-assisted analysis verified by automotive experts.