1999 BMW 3 Series 2.8L Petrol · S833 AAW
1999 BMW 3 Series (2.8L, petrol). First registered 14/01/1999. Recorded mileage 91,258 miles. MOT valid until 07/04/2027. Taxed until 01/04/2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1999 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 07/04/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/04/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 91,258 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1999
- Engine
- 2793cc
S833 AAW Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 01/04/2026
- 91,258 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension 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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S833 AAW Mileage History
- 04/02/202389,334 mi
- 27/01/202489,454 mi+120 mi
- 03/02/202489,459 mi+5 mi
- 09/04/202590,072 mi+613 mi
- 01/04/202691,258 mi+1,186 mi
Average of roughly 610 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
S833 AAW 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 1999 BMW 3 Series (S833 AAW) between February 2023 and April 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 01 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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: “Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution unless you are a BMW enthusiast prepared to address mounting metalwork. While the mileage is relatively low for the age, the MOT history shows recurring corrosion and suspension issues that require immediate attention.
The primary focus for this vehicle must be its structural integrity. Given the history of corrosion—noted on the offside front floor and brake pipes in 2019—you should request a professional pre-purchase inspection of the chassis to ensure the rust is merely surface rather than structural. Check the service history meticulously, as the 2.8L engine requires regular oil changes to maintain reliability.
Pay close attention to the suspension. The most recent MOT noted corroded coil springs on both front sides and a distorted wheel, which suggests the car may have hit significant potholes or suffered from neglect. Negotiate the price based on the likely cost of replacing these springs, the steering rack gaiter (which caused a failure in 2024), and the loose exhaust mounting bracket.
With a 2793cc engine, fuel economy will be the primary expense; expect relatively high consumption compared to modern counterparts, likely averaging 20-25 MPG. Road tax for a vehicle of this era and engine size is also significant, alongside insurance depending on your personal profile.
Maintenance costs will be higher than a standard hatchback due to parts pricing for older BMW E46 models and the complexity of the larger engine bay. You should budget for annual preventative repairs to address the recurring suspension and rust-related issues seen in the MOT history.
Inspect the underside of the car specifically for rust. The MOT history explicitly mentions corrosion on the offside front floor, brake pipes, and general suspension components. Look for bubbling paint around the wheel arches and sills, which were noted as slight corrosion in earlier tests.
Check the front steering and suspension area thoroughly. The 2024 failure for a missing steering rack gaiter indicates a need to check for fluid leaks from the rack itself. Additionally, inspect the front coil springs for signs of heavy rust or cracking, as both sides were flagged as corroded in the latest April 2026 test.
This 1999 BMW 3 Series features a large 2.8L petrol engine and has covered a total of 91,258 miles over its 27-year life. While it has maintained a consistent MOT record, the history reveals a pattern of rust on brake pipes, floors, and suspension components. The vehicle is currently passing its MOT but carries advisories regarding corroded coil springs and exhaust components that suggest pending maintenance.
The E46 3 Series is generally considered robust if well-maintained, but older large displacement models are prone to cooling system failures and suspension wear.
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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