2001 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Diesel · BF51 LGE
2001 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, diesel). First registered 19 Nov 2001. Recorded mileage 137,175 miles. MOT expired on 08 Oct 2024. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 08 Oct 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 137,175 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.0L
- 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.
BF51 LGE Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 10/10/2023
- 137,175 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
BF51 LGE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 BMW 3 Series (BF51 LGE) between December 2021 and October 2023.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 10 October 2023 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: Tyres (7 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 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: “Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))”; “Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))”.
BF51 LGE Mileage History
- 17/12/2021136,920 mi
- 10/12/2022137,122 mi+202 mi
- 29/09/2023137,171 mi+49 mi
- 10/10/2023137,175 mi+4 mi
Average of roughly 141 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for BMW 3 Series (E46)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below 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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (BF51 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as BF51LGE.
BMW 3 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 2001 model year cars.
- Rear Subframe CrackingSerious
The rear floor can tear where the subframe mounts attach to the shell, especially on early cars and six-cylinder manuals. Ignoring it risks major structural damage.
- Cooling System OverhaulSerious
Expansion tanks, radiators, thermostats, and plastic-impeller-era water pumps fail with age. One overheating event can ruin the alloy straight-six.
- VANOS Seal WearModerate
The VANOS seals harden with age, flattening low-end torque and making the engine feel lethargic or uneven through the mid-range.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.