1997 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · R578 ABK
1997 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 116,459 miles. MOT valid until 12 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 12 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 116,459 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 3.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
R578 ABK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 14/04/2026
- 116,459 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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
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Known faults for BMW M3
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
R578 ABK Mileage History
- 10/04/2024115,209 mi
- 09/04/2025115,860 mi+651 mi
- 11/04/2025115,864 mi+4 mi
- 13/04/2026116,458 mi+594 mi
- 14/04/2026116,459 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 622 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
R578 ABK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 BMW M3 (R578 ABK) between April 2024 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 14 April 2026 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: Lighting (2 issues), Steering (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 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: “Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))”; “Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))”; “Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural stren”.
Common Problems: BMW M3
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
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