2001 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · GY51 AOG
2001 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 05 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 166,645 miles. MOT expired on 16 May 2026. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Canterbury
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 16 May 2026
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 166,645 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.0L
- 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.
GY51 AOG Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 18/05/2025
- 166,645 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below 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.
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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GY51 AOG Mileage History
- 29/11/2021165,030 mi
- 17/05/2024165,584 mi+554 mi
- 17/05/2024165,584 mi
- 18/05/2025166,645 mi+1,061 mi
Average of roughly 466 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
GY51 AOG MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 BMW 3 Series (GY51 AOG) between November 2021 and May 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 18 May 2025 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: Windscreen (2 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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: “Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn most rear (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Obligatory mirror does not provide a view to the rear (3.3 (c))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution unless you are an enthusiast prepared for significant mechanical investment. While the 3.0L engine is desirable, the persistent history of corrosion and recurring mechanical failures suggests a vehicle nearing an expensive chapter.
Your primary focus must be the state of the chassis. The MOT history consistently notes 'underbody corrosion' since 2018, with a 'corroded rear sub-frame' noted in 2025. Have a specialist perform a thorough underside inspection to determine if the rust is surface or structural, as sub-frame replacement is incredibly costly.
Mechanically, check for the source of the oil leak mentioned in 2018 and 2025. Given the age and mileage, ensure the cooling system has been maintained, as these engines are sensitive to heat. Ask for a full service history to verify if the suspension bushes and control arms have been replaced recently, as these appear frequently in the MOT failures.
With a 3000cc engine, fuel economy will be poor, likely averaging between 20-25 mpg depending on driving style. Tax bands will be high due to the engine displacement, and insurance groups are typically expensive for older, high-performance German BMWs.
Maintenance costs for this era BMW are above average, particularly for parts involving the straight-six engine and suspension components. Expect an annual running cost of approximately £2,500-£3,500 when factoring in fuel, insurance, tax, and inevitable repairs.
Inspect the rear sub-frame specifically, as the 2025 advisory flagged it as corroded; this is a known weak point that can lead to an MOT failure. Also, check the front suspension arms and bushes, which have failed or been worn multiple times over the last decade.
Test the braking system thoroughly, as the nearside parking brake was only 'just met' efficiency in 2025. Look for signs of oil leaks around the valve cover gasket and oil pan, as 'excessive' leaking was a noted failure in the 2018 history.
This 2001 BMW 3 Series features a large 3.0-litre petrol engine and sits at 166,000 miles. While it passed its most recent MOT, the history reveals a chronic pattern of suspension wear, underbody corrosion, and recurring oil leaks. The presence of a corroded rear sub-frame on the latest test is a major concern for the long-term structural integrity of the vehicle.
The E46 straight-six engines are robust but suffer from expensive rubber component and cooling-related issues as they age.
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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