1988 BMW 3 Series 1.8L Petrol · C6 HCN
1988 BMW 3 Series (1.8L, petrol). First registered 15 Aug 1988. Recorded mileage 172,844 miles. MOT expired on 29 Jul 2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1988 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 29 Jul 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 172,844 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- 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.
C6 HCN Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 31/07/2025
- 172,844 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
C6 HCN 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 1988 BMW 3 Series (C6 HCN) between November 2022 and July 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 31 July 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: Suspension (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). 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: “Registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements (0.1 (d))”; “Side repeater not working offside (4.4.1 (a) (ii))”; “Registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements front and rear (0.1 (d))”.
C6 HCN Mileage History
- 23/11/2022172,769 mi
- 12/12/2023172,769 mi
- 15/12/2023172,769 mi
- 30/07/2025172,844 mi+75 mi
- 31/07/2025172,844 mi
Average of roughly 28 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 3 Series (E36)
Our database tracks 5 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.
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