2001 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · C17 CAN
2001 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Feb 2001. Recorded mileage 66,391 miles. MOT valid until 07 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 07 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 66,391 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 3.0L
- 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.
C17 CAN Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 08/07/2026
- 66,391 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
C17 CAN 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 2001 BMW 3 Series (C17 CAN) between March 2023 and July 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 08 July 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 (4 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues). 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: “Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn rear bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn rear bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
C17 CAN Mileage History
- 22/03/202365,379 mi
- 08/07/202465,760 mi+381 mi
- 09/07/202566,169 mi+409 mi
- 06/07/202666,375 mi+206 mi
- 08/07/202666,391 mi+16 mi
Average of roughly 307 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A low-mileage example of the 3.0L petrol
Focus on the recent repairs from July 2026; ensure the lower suspension arm bushes and front brake pads have been replaced as required for the MOT pass. Given the 2023 advisory regarding an oil leak, check the engine bay for fresh residue and verify if any gaskets have been replaced since that record.
Request documentation for these specific repairs to ensure the work was carried out to a professional standard. As this is a 25-year-old vehicle, check for any other age-related rubber degradation in the engine bay or chassis that may not have been flagged on the MOT.
Equipped with a 2979cc petrol engine, this vehicle will have higher fuel consumption and road tax costs compared to smaller 3 Series variants. Insurance groups for this engine size are typically higher, which will impact the annual budget.
Annual costs will be influenced by the need for periodic maintenance of suspension and braking components, as evidenced by the 2026 MOT record. Expect higher expenditure on fuel and tax than a modern equivalent.
Inspect the front suspension components specifically, as the lower suspension arm bushes were recorded as worn in 2024 and became failures in 2026. Check the condition of the nearside front tyre, which remained an advisory even after the July 2026 pass, suggesting it may still be close to the legal limit.
Finally, examine the engine for signs of the oil leak noted in March 2023 to determine if it has persisted or been resolved. Check for any fluid leaks around the seals and gaskets consistent with the 2023 MOT advisory.
This grey 2001 BMW 3 Series has covered 66,391 miles, which is significantly below the model average. The MOT history shows a consistent testing pattern, though a failure in July 2026 highlighted the need for new front brake pads and lower suspension arm bushes. An oil leak was also recorded as an advisory in March 2023.
The 3 Series maintains an 80% average MOT pass rate across the analysed dataset, with common failures typically involving brakes and exhaust systems.
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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