Official DVLA Record

1988 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Petrol · E178 NOW

E178 NOW

1988 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, petrol). First registered 06/05/1988. Recorded mileage 196,763 miles. MOT status: Expired.

Make & Model
BMW 3 SERIES
Year / Origin
1988 · Chelmsford
MOT Status
Valid until 30/12/2023
Road Tax
Recorded Mileage
196,763 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 2.0L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Valid until 30/12/2023
Tax Status
Check Tax
Click to check rates
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
1988
Engine
1990cc

E178 NOW Key Findings

  • 30 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 31/12/2022
  • 196,763 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 12 historical MOT failures
  • 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring brakes items (39 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
45
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

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.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
! Tax Status Unknown
! Average MOT pass rate (50%)
! Older vehicle
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E178 NOW Mileage History

  1. 20/10/2005147,721 mi
  2. 24/10/2005147,721 mi
  3. 19/10/2006151,042 mi+3,321 mi
  4. 20/10/2006151,042 mi
  5. 23/10/2007154,979 mi+3,937 mi
  6. 01/11/2007154,979 mi
  7. 28/10/2008157,699 mi+2,720 mi
  8. 27/10/2009165,163 mi+7,464 mi
  9. 27/10/2010169,871 mi+4,708 mi
  10. 05/11/2010169,877 mi+6 mi
  11. 10/11/2011173,366 mi+3,489 mi
  12. 14/11/2011173,370 mi+4 mi
  13. 05/12/2012177,314 mi+3,944 mi
  14. 07/12/2012177,314 mi
  15. 12/12/2013181,519 mi+4,205 mi
  16. 08/12/2014184,632 mi+3,113 mi
  17. 09/12/2014184,632 mi
  18. 08/12/2015188,179 mi+3,547 mi
  19. 29/11/2016191,070 mi+2,891 mi
  20. 06/12/2016191,072 mi+2 mi
  21. 28/11/2017194,416 mi+3,344 mi
  22. 03/12/2018196,487 mi+2,071 mi
  23. 06/12/2018196,487 mi
  24. 04/12/2019196,763 mi+276 mi
  25. 06/12/2019196,763 mi
  26. 08/12/2020196,763 mi
  27. 08/12/2021196,763 mi
  28. 17/12/2021196,769 mi+6 mi
  29. 21/12/2022196,763 mi-6 mi
  30. 31/12/2022196,763 mi

Average of roughly 2,852 miles per year across 30 recorded odometer readings.

Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.

E178 NOW MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: 9 Sept 2026, 18:28
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

30 MOT tests are recorded for this 1988 BMW 3 Series (E178 NOW) between October 2005 and December 2022.

The record contains 18 passes and 12 failures.

The most recent test on 31 December 2022 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 12 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (39 issues), Lighting (33 issues), Suspension (19 issues), Bodywork (11 issues), Tyres (9 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 98 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 Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”; “Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength O/S front ”; “Offside Front Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting missing (5.3.3 (a) (ii))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY