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Official DVLA Record
Outstanding Recall

2011 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Diesel · GF11 ABK

GF11 ABK

2011 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, diesel). First registered 21 Apr 2011. Recorded mileage 143,507 miles. MOT expired on 23 Oct 2025. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.

Make & Model
BMW 3 SERIES
Year / Origin
2011 · Maidstone
Safety Recall
Recall Notice
MOT Status
Expired on 23 Oct 2025
Road Tax
—
Recorded Mileage
143,507 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
Diesel · 2.0L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults

Outstanding Safety Recall Notice

Action Required

Official 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.

MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 23 Oct 2025
Tax Status
Checking...
Checking DVLA database...
Fuel Type
Diesel
Year
2011
Engine
1995cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 2024-10-25 at 143,507 miles recorded a pass, but conflicting entries for the same date indicate a failure and a pass, suggesting administrative errors or unresolved issues. No defects were noted in any test, yet the repeated failures in October 2024 imply potential unresolved mechanical or compliance concerns. The absence of recorded defects in prior tests does not confirm fault-free operation, as the data lacks detail on specific components. Overall, the maintenance trend remains unclear due to inconsistent reporting, though the lack of critical failures in the 2023 and 2022 tests suggests the car has met baseline standards in earlier years. The vehicle’s mileage of 143,507 miles over 15 years equates to an average of 9,567 miles annually, aligning with typical usage for its age. The 2023 test at 132,382 miles and 2022 test at 124,680 miles show steady progression, with minimal gaps between entries. The 2024 tests, however, reveal a near-zero mileage increase from 143,503 to 143,507 miles, raising questions about the validity of the tests or the vehicle’s operational status. The sparse defect records across all tests do not indicate recurring mechanical issues, but the lack of detailed diagnostics limits a comprehensive assessment of wear on critical systems. A buyer should prioritize inspecting the suspension, braking system, and exhaust components, as these are common areas for wear in older vehicles. The 2024 failures, though unexplained, warrant scrutiny of potential alignment, brake binding, or emission control issues. Corrosion in body panels and underbody components should also be checked, as age and mileage increase rust risk. The absence of recorded structural faults is reassuring, but the expired MOT status and inconsistent test records necessitate a thorough pre-purchase inspection to confirm the vehicle’s current roadworthiness.

GF11 ABK Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
  • Latest MOT passed on 25/10/2024
  • 143,507 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 3 defects noted at the latest MOT

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

Updating live data
MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
15
/ 100 · Poor
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

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.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
! Tax Status Unknown
! Average MOT pass rate (60%)
✗ 2 dangerous defects found recently
! Older vehicle
✗ Outstanding recall notice
Experian Provenance Check

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Verified Experian Data

Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for GF11ABK

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Write-off
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Salvage
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Imported
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Exported
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Scrapped
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Destruction
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V5C Logbook
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Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges
Recall Notice Outstanding

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

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GF11 ABK Mileage History

  1. 21/10/2022124,680 mi
  2. 17/10/2023132,382 mi+7,702 mi
  3. 08/10/2024143,503 mi+11,121 mi
  4. 25/10/2024143,507 mi+4 mi
  5. 25/10/2024143,507 mi

Average of roughly 9,353 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

GF11 ABK MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 25 Sept 2026, 06:50
MOT Analysis

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 2011 BMW 3 Series (GF11 ABK) between October 2022 and October 2024.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 25 October 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: Tyres (4 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 8 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 lever has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))”; “Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))”; “Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
48/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,400-£1,700
Mileage
At 143,507 miles, this vehicle's mileage...

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution and budget for imme

When inspecting this specific black 2.0L diesel, your priority should be the suspension and braking system. The most recent MOT failure in October 2024 noted insufficient rear brake lever travel and oil misting on both front shock absorbers; you should verify if these specific faults were actually rectified or if they remain as advisories.

Ask the seller for evidence of the work carried out following the October 2024 failure. Given the history of tyre tread depth failures in both 2023 and 2024, check the current condition and brand of all four tyres. Additionally, investigate the TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) light mentioned in the 2024 records to see if it requires a sensor replacement or simply a reset.

As a 2.0L diesel, this BMW 3 Series is designed for efficiency on longer journeys, though running costs will be influenced by its high mileage. You should expect moderate fuel economy typical of a 2011 diesel engine.

Tax and insurance groups for this model vary depending on the specific trim, but generally sit in mid-range brackets. Maintenance costs may be higher than average due to the age of the vehicle and the recent MOT findings regarding shock absorbers and braking components. Estimated annual running costs are approximately £1,400-£1,700, including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance.

Focus heavily on the front suspension. The 2024 MOT record explicitly identified light oil misting on both nearside and offside front shock absorbers. Inspect these closely for any active leaks that could indicate imminent failure.

Check the braking system thoroughly. The October 2024 failure cited insufficient reserve travel on the rear brake lever; ensure the brakes feel firm and responsive. Finally, inspect the tyres. The vehicle has a documented history of presenting with tyres worn to or below the 1.6mm legal limit in both 2023 and 2024, so ensure the current set has ample tread depth and no uneven wear.

This 2011 BMW 3 Series diesel has covered 143,507 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 7,258 miles per year. The MOT history reveals a pattern of wear-related failures, including tyre tread depth issues in 2023 and 2024, and most recently, shock absorber oil misting. The vehicle's age and high mileage suggest it has been used extensively.

Aggregate data for this model shows an 80.3% MOT pass rate, with common failure points being tyres, shock absorbers, and drive shaft joints.

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