1991 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · J160 CYK
1991 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1991. Recorded mileage 98,584 miles. MOT expired on 18 Apr 2019.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1991
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 18 Apr 2019
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 May 2017)
- Recorded Mileage
- 98,584 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.
J160 CYK Key Findings
- 12 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 19/04/2018
- 98,584 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
J160 CYK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
12 MOT tests are recorded for this 1991 BMW 3 Series (J160 CYK) between November 2006 and April 2018.
The record contains 10 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 19 April 2018 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 (8 issues), Lighting (7 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Steering (1 issue), Windscreen (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 Headlamp aim too high (1.8)”; “Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)”; “Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside (1.8)”.
J160 CYK Mileage History
- 18/11/200654,405 mi
- 13/03/200862,947 mi+8,542 mi
- 31/03/200863,007 mi+60 mi
- 10/06/200970,754 mi+7,747 mi
- 16/08/201077,070 mi+6,316 mi
- 25/08/201184,628 mi+7,558 mi
- 11/01/20131,450 mi-83,178 mi
- 11/01/201388,166 mi+86,716 mi
- 13/05/201492,845 mi+4,679 mi
- 15/04/201593,945 mi+1,100 mi
- 13/05/201697,003 mi+3,058 mi
- 19/04/201898,584 mi+1,581 mi
Average of roughly 3,869 miles per year across 12 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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: 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.
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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.
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