2011 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Diesel · 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 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.
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
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.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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GF11 ABK Mileage History
- 21/10/2022124,680 mi
- 17/10/2023132,382 mi+7,702 mi
- 08/10/2024143,503 mi+11,121 mi
- 25/10/2024143,507 mi+4 mi
- 25/10/2024143,507 mi
Average of roughly 9,353 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
GF11 ABK 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 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))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
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
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