2006 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · GL55 VFS
2006 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Feb 2006. Recorded mileage 144,574 miles. MOT valid until 21 Jan 2027. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2006 · Maidstone
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 21 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 144,574 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (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.
GL55 VFS Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 22/01/2026
- 144,574 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
GL55 VFS 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 2006 BMW 3 Series (GL55 VFS) between December 2022 and January 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 22 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (4 issues), Lighting (1 issue). 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: “Brake pad(s) worn down to wear indicator (1.1.13 (a) (i))”; “Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii))”; “Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii))”.
GL55 VFS Mileage History
- 06/12/2022137,079 mi
- 13/12/2022137,080 mi+1 mi
- 28/11/2023138,764 mi+1,684 mi
- 11/12/2024140,542 mi+1,778 mi
- 22/01/2026144,574 mi+4,032 mi
Average of roughly 2,395 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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 significant caution. This 2
Before purchasing, you must investigate the nature of the recurring oil leaks noted in 2023 and 2026. Ask the seller for evidence of any recent gasket or seal replacements. Given the 2026 advisory regarding the rear sub-frame, a specialist inspection is strongly recommended to determine if the corrosion is progressing toward a structural failure.
Negotiate on the basis of the recent advisories for brake pads and sub-frame corrosion. Ensure that the warning lights mentioned in the 2022 failure—specifically the Engine MIL and the Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) lamp—have been fully diagnosed and rectified, as these can indicate expensive electronic or safety component faults.
As a 2494cc petrol engine, running costs will be higher than smaller-capacity alternatives. Fuel economy will be impacted by the vehicle's age and high mileage. You should check the specific tax band for this 2006 model, as petrol engines from this era often fall into mid-to-high brackets.
Maintenance costs for a high-mileage BMW can be substantial. Beyond standard servicing, the MOT history suggests you should budget for brake replacements and potential engine seal repairs. Expect annual running costs to be relatively high once fuel, insurance, and maintenance are combined.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the underside of the vehicle. The 2026 MOT record explicitly mentions rear sub-frame corrosion; you need to see if this is surface rust or deeper structural decay. Check the engine bay for signs of fresh oil weeping, as 'not excessive' leaks were recorded in both 2023 and 2026.
Additionally, verify the condition of the braking system. The vehicle has a history of worn pads, including a 2022 failure where pads were less than 1.5mm thick. Finally, confirm that the SRS (airbag) warning light and Engine Management Light (MIL) issues from the 2022 failure are no longer present and have been properly cleared.
This grey 2.5L petrol BMW 3 Series has covered 144,574 miles since its first registration in February 2006. While it has passed its most recent MOT, the history reveals a pattern of oil leaks and a notable advisory regarding rear sub-frame corrosion. The mileage is significantly higher than the model average of 7,283 miles per year.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 80% MOT pass rate, with common failures related to brakes and lighting.
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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