1999 BMW 3 Series 1.9L Petrol · S833 JYX
1999 BMW 3 Series (1.9L, petrol). First registered 03 Feb 1999. Recorded mileage 76,507 miles. MOT valid until 12 Dec 2026. Taxed until 01 Feb 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1999 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 12 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Feb 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 76,507 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
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.
S833 JYX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 08/12/2025
- 76,507 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S833 JYX 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 JYX) between December 2023 and December 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 08 December 2025 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 (18 issues), Windscreen (3 issues), Brakes (1 issue), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 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 Headlamp levelling device inoperative (4.1.5 (a))”; “Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Headlamp levelling device inoperative (4.1.5 (a))”.
S833 JYX Mileage History
- 05/12/202375,624 mi
- 06/12/202475,928 mi+304 mi
- 13/12/202475,929 mi+1 mi
- 08/12/202576,506 mi+577 mi
- 08/12/202576,507 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 439 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While the mileage is remarkably low for a 1999 model, the MOT history reveals a pattern of neglect and recurring safety failures that suggest poor long-term maintenance.
Prioritise a full mechanical inspection by a BMW specialist. The history shows a recurring struggle with the SRS (airbag) system and ABS faults, which can be expensive to rectify on older BMWs. Check for evidence of recent, professional repairs rather than 'quick fixes' to pass the MOT, as the vehicle has failed multiple times in short succession in 2024 and 2025.
Negotiate the price based on the current advisories regarding distorted road wheels on the offside front and nearside rear. Demand a full service history to see if the oil leaks mentioned in 2019 and 2023 were actually repaired or merely monitored, as 'excessive' leaks from both the engine and transmission are significant red flags for a car of this vintage.
As a 1.9L petrol engine from 1999, this vehicle will not meet modern efficiency standards. Expect modest fuel economy and a tax band reflective of its age and emissions. Insurance for a 3 Series is generally manageable, but the age of the car may limit some comprehensive policies.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the car's age and the specific issues noted in its history, such as brake pipe corrosion and suspension wear. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, and the likely need for corrective maintenance, are approximately £1,200-£1,600.
Carefully inspect the underbody and brake lines. The MOT history shows a 'Dangerous' failure for the offside rear brake pipe in 2023 and chronic corrosion advisories dating back to 2019; ensure all lines have been replaced, not just patched. Check the dashboard for any active SRS or ABS warning lights, as these have caused multiple failures in the past.
Examine the wheels for signs of impact or warping, specifically the offside front and nearside rear, which have been flagged as 'slightly distorted' across multiple years. Finally, check the engine bay and underside for fresh oil residue, given the history of excessive leaks from both the engine and transmission.
This blue 1999 BMW 3 Series with a 1.9L petrol engine has covered only 76,507 miles, which is exceptionally low for its age. However, the vehicle's history is marred by frequent MOT failures, including dangerous brake pipe corrosion, multiple airbag faults, and chronic oil leaks. The recurring issues with headlamp alignment and distorted wheels further indicate a lack of meticulous care.
While aggregate data is unavailable, this specific vehicle exhibits common aging issues for the E46/E36 era, particularly regarding cooling, oil seals, and braking system corrosion.
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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