1990 BMW 3 Series 1.8L Petrol · E12 GDW
1990 BMW 3 Series (1.8L, petrol). First registered 17 Jan 1990. Recorded mileage 205,571 miles. MOT expired on 16 Jun 2024.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1990 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 16 Jun 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 205,571 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.
E12 GDW Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/06/2023
- 205,571 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
E12 GDW 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 1990 BMW 3 Series (E12 GDW) between October 2021 and June 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 17 June 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 3 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
E12 GDW Mileage History
- 26/10/2021202,154 mi
- 30/10/2021202,156 mi+2 mi
- 29/04/2023205,553 mi+3,397 mi
- 16/06/2023205,570 mi+17 mi
- 17/06/2023205,571 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 2,082 miles per year across 5 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 (E36)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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 (E12G Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as E12GDW.
KIA
SPORTAGE
JAGUAR
XJS
MERCEDES-BENZ
E
FIAT
DUCATO
VOLVO
XC60
VOLKSWAGEN
AMAROK
TOYOTA
HILUX INVINCIBLE D-4D 4X4 DCB
VOLKSWAGEN
TOUAREG
PEUGEOT
2008
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE ABIO PHEV A
AUDI
E-TRON S LINE 55 QUATTRO
BMW
520
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 1990 model year cars.
- Cooling System OverhaulSerious
Plastic water pump impellers shatter, expansion tanks split along mould seams, and composite thermostat housings warp with age. A complete cooling overhaul is essential every 60k–80k miles.
- Rear Shock Mount TearingSerious
The sheet metal towers supporting the rear shock mounts can fatigue and tear out under rough road impacts, leaving the damper loose inside the boot.
- Rust (Arches/Jacking Points)Serious
Corrosion is endemic on UK E36s exposed to road salt. The rear wheel arch lips, outer and inner sill structures, and floor jacking points rust severely from the inside out.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.