DVLA verified

1998 BMW 3 SERIES1.8L LPG

S522 EAB

Vehicle Insight Summary

With 124,752 miles recorded, this Blue 1998 BMW 3 SERIES runs on LPG with a 1796cc engine. MOT is not on record and tax is unpaid.

MOT
Expired
Expires 29/06/2025
Tax
SORN
Statutory Off Road Notification
Fuel
LPG
Year
1998
Engine
1796cc

Free vehicle health score

45
/ 100 · Below Average

Public record health check: Below Average.

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

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
! Tax Status Unknown
! Average MOT pass rate (67%)
! Older vehicle
A score of 45 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 S522EAB

Data provided by Experian
Stolen
Locked
Finance
Locked
Write-off
Locked
Salvage
Locked
Imported
Locked
Exported
Locked
Scrapped
Locked
Destruction
Locked
V5C Logbook
Locked

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Data provided by Experian

Technical Specifications

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Full MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: Jul 29, 2026, 01:09 PM
AI Analysis · MOT Narrative

This 1998 BMW 3 Series (S522 EAB) has a recorded MOT history spanning from December 2021 to July 2024, with 3 MOT tests on record.

With 2 passes and 1 failures, the lifetime MOT pass rate stands at 67%. This is an average MOT record. Some attention to recurring issues may be beneficial.

The most commonly flagged areas across all MOT tests are: Brakes (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). These areas are worth paying attention to when inspecting this vehicle.

There is 1 advisory notice in the MOT history. Advisories are not failures but indicate areas that may need attention in the future.

A total of 2 failure items have been recorded across all tests. Recent failure items include: “Power steering malfunctioning (2.1.5 (a))”; “Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”.

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
45/100
Risk Level
High
High
Est. Annual Cost
£800-£1,000
Mileage
The recorded 124,752 mi are above averag...

Our Verdict

Caution: This high‑mileage 1998 BMW 3 Series with recent major MOT failures and significant suspension corrosion should be approached with extreme care. Only consider purchase if the price reflects the extensive remedial work required.

Start by reviewing the full MOT history and confirming that all recent repairs addressed the major failures noted in the June 2024 test, especially the headlamp aim and power steering malfunction. Inspect the power steering pump and rack for leaks or wear, check the condition of the suspension arms and sub‑frame for rust, and verify that the ABS warning lamp is functioning correctly. Also examine the tyre wear patterns, brake condition and the state of the LPG system for any signs of leaks or component deterioration.

Negotiate a discount that covers the likely cost of replacing corroded suspension components, servicing the power steering, and any needed brake or tyre work. Verify that the service book is complete and that any LPG conversion has been maintained according to the manufacturer’s schedule, as neglect can lead to expensive repairs. Finally, consider a professional independent inspection focusing on the steering rack, wheel bearings and exhaust system to uncover any hidden issues before committing.

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

Data Sources

DVSA

MOT test records from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency.

DVLA

Vehicle registration, tax, and specification data.

OneAutoAPI

Market valuation, warranty, and recall intelligence.

AI Analysis

Machine learning insights trained on millions of UK MOT records.

Learn more about our methodology