1998 BMW 7 Series 4.4L Petrol · A9 THL
1998 BMW 7 Series (4.4L, petrol). First registered 01 Jan 1998. Recorded mileage 38,361 miles. MOT valid until 05 Jan 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW 7 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Peterborough
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 38,361 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 4.4L
- 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.
A9 THL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 11/12/2025
- 38,361 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
A9 THL 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 7 Series (A9 THL) between December 2023 and December 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 11 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: Brakes (2 issues), 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: “Battery insecure and likely to cause a short circuit BATTERT loses, and Positive terminal loses. (4.13 (a) (ii))”.
A9 THL Mileage History
- 15/12/202338,135 mi
- 15/12/202338,135 mi
- 30/12/202438,349 mi+214 mi
- 31/12/202438,349 mi
- 11/12/202538,361 mi+12 mi
Average of roughly 114 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 7 Series (E38)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
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.
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BMW 7 SERIES 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.
- Fuel Tank LeakSerious
The pressed-steel saddle fuel tank develops rust along the crimped centre seam and around the upper breather pipes due to trapped road grime. Remedying requires dropping the exhaust, propshaft, and rear subframe.
- EDC Suspension LeaksSerious
The optional Electronic Damper Control (EDC) active shock absorbers leak hydraulic damping oil past internal shaft seals. Replacement OEM dampers cost upwards of £800 each, prompting many UK owners to fit standard Sachs dampers.
- Cooling System OverhaulSerious
Like the E39, the M52, M60, and M62 cooling systems suffer from brittle plastic radiator necks that snap under pressure, weeping water pump bearings, and cracked expansion tanks.
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