1998 BMW Z3 1.9L Petrol · S516 BWU
1998 BMW Z3 (1.9L, petrol). First registered 12 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 77,102 miles. MOT valid until 28 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW Z3
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 28 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 77,102 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
S516 BWU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/04/2026
- 77,102 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 12 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (16 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S516 BWU 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 1998 BMW Z3 (S516 BWU) between April 2024 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 27 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: Brakes (16 issues), Lighting (7 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 28 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: “Anti-lock braking system warning lamp does not illuminate (1.6 (a))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))”.
S516 BWU Mileage History
- 20/04/202471,757 mi
- 15/04/202573,866 mi+2,109 mi
- 30/04/202573,900 mi+34 mi
- 20/04/202677,093 mi+3,193 mi
- 27/04/202677,102 mi+9 mi
Average of roughly 2,649 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW Z3 (E36/7)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
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.
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BMW Z3 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 1998 model year cars.
- Boot Floor TearingSerious
The single rear differential ear mount applies high twisting torque directly to the thin boot floor crossmember. Spot welds pop and the sheet metal tears away, presenting a severe structural failure risk.
- Cooling System FailureSerious
Sharing E36 architecture, the M43, M44, M52, and M54 engines are prone to plastic radiator neck breakage, thermostat housing warping, and plastic water pump impeller detachment, leading to rapid overheating.
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