2001 BMW 5 Series 2.9L Diesel · FA51 ZBW
2001 BMW 5 Series (2.9L, diesel). First registered 01 Dec 2001. Recorded mileage 254,491 miles. MOT expired on 27 Apr 2023. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- BMW 5 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 27 Apr 2023
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 254,491 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.9L
- 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.
FA51 ZBW Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 29/04/2022
- 254,491 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
FA51 ZBW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 2001 BMW 5 Series (FA51 ZBW) between April 2022 and April 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 6 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW 5 Series (E39)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: 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.
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BMW 5 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 2001 model year cars.
- Cooling System "Explosion"Serious
Plastic radiators, expansion tanks, and water pump impellers fail with age. One overheating event can warp the aluminium head or blow the head gasket on straight-six and V8 models.
- Thrust Arm Bush Failure (50mph Shimmy)Moderate
The front suspension relies on large rubber hydro-bushes in the thrust arms. When these leak or tear, the car develops a severe vibration through the steering wheel.
- ABS Module Failure (Bosch 5.7)Serious
On facelift models, the ABS module is located close to the exhaust manifold. Heat causes the internal wire bonds to fail, killing ABS and Traction Control.
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