2001 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · EX51 AEE
2001 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Nov 2001. Recorded mileage 142,732 miles. MOT expired on 12 Dec 2025. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 12 Dec 2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 142,732 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
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.
EX51 AEE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 13/12/2024
- 142,732 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EX51 AEE 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 (EX51 AEE) between December 2022 and December 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 13 December 2024 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: Lighting (5 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Steering (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 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 Tyre has ply or cords damaged deep cuts exposing cords (inner sidewall) (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Brake performance unable to be tested due to condition of flexi brake pipe (1.2.1 (g))”; “Offside Front Body panel corroded and likely to cause injury Wheel arch (6.2.1 (a) (i))”.
EX51 AEE Mileage History
- 05/12/2022134,484 mi
- 30/11/2023140,639 mi+6,155 mi
- 11/12/2023141,758 mi+1,119 mi
- 06/12/2024142,728 mi+970 mi
- 13/12/2024142,732 mi+4 mi
Average of roughly 4,076 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution unless you are an enthusiast prepared for significant restoration. While the E46 straight six is desirable, the MOT history reveals escalating structural corrosion, recurring brake failures, and a pattern of deferred mechanical maintenance.
Your primary focus must be a thorough inspection of the underbody. The December 2024 MOT highlighted 'MAJOR' corrosion on the offside front body panel/wheel arch, which is a structural red flag for a car of this age. Check the jacking points and rear suspension mounting areas, which have been noted as corroded since 2022.
Mechanically, inspect the braking system extensively. This car has a history of deteriorating brake hoses, leaking calipers, and poor parking brake efficiency. Ensure the recent work on the track rod ends, brake hoses, and flex pipes has been carried out with high-quality parts. Ask for a full service history; with a 3.0L engine, regular oil changes are vital to prevent timing chain issues, which are common on this era of BMW petrol engines.
With a 2979cc engine, this vehicle is expensive to run. Expect low fuel economy, likely between 20-25 mpg. It falls into a high tax band, and insurance premiums may be significant due to the engine size and age.
Maintenance costs will be higher than average for a standard hatchback, as parts for older BMWs carry a premium. Estimate annual costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance, to be between £2,500 and £3,500.
Inspect the offside front wheel arch for deep rust or structural rot, as the 2024 failure indicates this is a developing issue. Check the steering rack gaiters for tears, as these have been flagged as missing or damaged across multiple years, leading to premature steering rack failure.
Test the handbrake pressure thoroughly; the history shows multiple 'DANGEROUS' and 'MAJOR' failures related to the parking brake and mechanism. Additionally, check for uneven tyre wear, as the 2020 MOT noted the front tyres were worn on the inner edges, suggesting potential alignment issues or worn bushings.
This 2001 BMW 3 Series features a large 3.0L petrol engine and has covered 142,732 miles. While it recently passed, the history shows a concerning trend of failures, particularly regarding braking systems, suspension components, and structural corrosion in the wheel arches. The presence of 'DANGEROUS' failures for a tyre and multiple 'MAJOR' failures suggests the vehicle is reaching a stage where expensive repairs may become increasingly frequent.
The E46 3 Series is known for excellent handling but is prone to cooling system failures and rear rust issues if not meticulously maintained.
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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