1991 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · H917 BYJ
1991 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 24 Apr 1991. Recorded mileage 122,157 miles. MOT expired on 19 Sept 2024.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1991 · Bournemouth
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 19 Sept 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 122,157 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
H917 BYJ Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 21/10/2024
- 122,157 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 15 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
H917 BYJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1991 BMW 3 Series (H917 BYJ) between September 2023 and October 2024.
The record contains 1 pass and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 21 October 2024 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (7 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Steering (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: “Offside Front Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))”; “Nearside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”; “Rear fog lamp switch inoperative (4.5.3 (a))”.
H917 BYJ Mileage History
- 19/09/2023121,514 mi
- 21/09/2023121,518 mi+4 mi
- 21/10/2024122,157 mi+639 mi
Average of roughly 590 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for BMW 3 Series (E36)
Our database tracks 5 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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (H917 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as H917BYJ.
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
MAZDA
121
NISSAN
FIGARO
HONDA
CBR600F
YAMAHA
FZR1000R
HONDA
Z50J
MERCEDES-BENZ
S-Class
ROVER
MINI
HONDA
CIVIC
FORD
FIESTA
FORD
TRANSIT
YAMAHA
XV535
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 1991 model year cars.
- Cooling System OverhaulSerious
Plastic water pump impellers shatter, expansion tanks split along mould seams, and composite thermostat housings warp with age. A complete cooling overhaul is essential every 60k–80k miles.
- Rear Shock Mount TearingSerious
The sheet metal towers supporting the rear shock mounts can fatigue and tear out under rough road impacts, leaving the damper loose inside the boot.
- Rust (Arches/Jacking Points)Serious
Corrosion is endemic on UK E36s exposed to road salt. The rear wheel arch lips, outer and inner sill structures, and floor jacking points rust severely from the inside out.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.