2001 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · EIB 1000
2001 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 07/03/2001. Recorded mileage 110,658 miles. MOT status: Expired. Taxed until 01/04/2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Chelmsford
- MOT Status
- Valid until 02/09/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/04/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 110,658 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 2979cc
EIB 1000 Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/09/2025
- 110,658 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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EIB 1000 Mileage History
- 10/08/2023109,385 mi
- 11/08/2023109,388 mi+3 mi
- 09/08/2024110,424 mi+1,036 mi
- 21/08/2024110,425 mi+1 mi
- 04/09/2025110,658 mi+233 mi
Average of roughly 615 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
EIB 1000 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 (EIB 1000) between August 2023 and September 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 04 September 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 (12 issues), Brakes (12 issues), Lighting (12 issues), Windscreen (5 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 39 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: “Headlamp levelling device inoperative front bar broken and rear bar seized (4.1.5 (a))”; “Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))”; “Nearside Rear Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A potentially solid option for a classic BMW enthusiast, provided the recent MOT history is verified. The vehicle shows a pattern of minor compliance issues followed by successful passes.
When inspecting this specific black 3 Series, focus on the recent MOT trend. The failures in August 2024 and August 2023 occurred within days of a test, suggesting minor items like bulbs or wiper blades may have been the cause, as no specific defect types were listed in the summary.
Ask the seller for documentation regarding the repairs made following those two failures. Given the 2979cc engine size, ensure you check for any signs of oil leaks around the block, which is common for this era of BMW petrol engines. Verify that the service history supports the 110,658 miles recorded.
Running this 3 Series will be more expensive than a modern equivalent due to the 3.0L petrol engine. Expect higher fuel consumption and a higher insurance group compared to smaller displacement models.
Maintenance costs for a 25-year-old BMW can fluctuate; while parts are widely available, specialist labour for the larger engine can be costly. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance, fall in the range of £1,800-£2,400 depending on annual mileage.
Based on the MOT history, the vehicle has passed its most recent two tests with no defects recorded, which is a positive sign. However, you should inspect the tyres and windscreen washer system, as these are the most common failure points for this model type according to aggregate data.
Check the condition of the black paintwork for any signs of clear coat failure and inspect the engine bay for any fluid leaks. Given the age, also check the condition of rubber hoses and suspension components, which are not explicitly detailed in the recent MOT results but are vital for a vehicle of this vintage.
This 2001 BMW 3 Series features a large 2.9L petrol engine and has covered 110,658 miles as of its last MOT in September 2025. While the MOT history shows two failures in 2023 and 2024, these were immediately followed by passes with no defects recorded. The mileage is significantly higher than the model average of 7,238 miles per year, reflecting its age and usage.
The BMW 3 Series shows an average MOT pass rate of 80.2% across nearly 478,000 analysed vehicles, with common failures related to tyres and visibility components.
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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