2001 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · FG51 AWY
2001 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Oct 2001. Recorded mileage 144,229 miles. MOT expired on 29 Oct 2018. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 29 Oct 2018
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 144,229 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.5L
- 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.
FG51 AWY Key Findings
- 19 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 30/10/2017
- 144,229 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 6 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
FG51 AWY MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
19 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 BMW 3 Series (FG51 AWY) between October 2005 and October 2017.
The record contains 13 passes and 6 failures.
The most recent test on 30 October 2017 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 6 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (10 issues), Brakes (9 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Windscreen (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 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: “Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)”; “Offside Rear Front suspension has excessive movement at a wishbone pin or bush (2.5.A.1c)”; “Nearside Rear Front suspension has excessive movement at a wishbone pin or bush (2.5.A.1c)”.
FG51 AWY Mileage History
- 06/10/200576,305 mi
- 05/10/200690,232 mi+13,927 mi
- 05/10/200690,232 mi
- 10/01/2008103,295 mi+13,063 mi
- 10/01/2008103,295 mi
- 12/12/2008112,762 mi+9,467 mi
- 30/11/2009117,245 mi+4,483 mi
- 01/12/2009117,245 mi
- 10/01/2011124,705 mi+7,460 mi
- 11/01/2011124,705 mi
- 02/12/2011130,079 mi+5,374 mi
- 08/11/2012132,187 mi+2,108 mi
- 09/12/2013133,784 mi+1,597 mi
- 11/11/2014136,604 mi+2,820 mi
- 17/11/2014136,644 mi+40 mi
- 09/11/2015138,849 mi+2,205 mi
- 09/11/2015138,849 mi
- 29/10/2016141,639 mi+2,790 mi
- 30/10/2017144,229 mi+2,590 mi
Average of roughly 5,629 miles per year across 19 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW 3 Series (E46)
Our database tracks 4 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.
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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 2001 model year cars.
- Rear Subframe CrackingSerious
The rear floor can tear where the subframe mounts attach to the shell, especially on early cars and six-cylinder manuals. Ignoring it risks major structural damage.
- Cooling System OverhaulSerious
Expansion tanks, radiators, thermostats, and plastic-impeller-era water pumps fail with age. One overheating event can ruin the alloy straight-six.
- VANOS Seal WearModerate
The VANOS seals harden with age, flattening low-end torque and making the engine feel lethargic or uneven through the mid-range.
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