2001 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · LD51 AAF
2001 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 01/09/2001. Recorded mileage 104,031 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Stanmore (North London)
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 31/01/2026
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 104,031 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.
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 2979cc
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
LD51 AAF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 11/01/2025
- 104,031 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 6 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
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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LD51 AAF Mileage History
- 23/01/2023102,249 mi
- 23/01/2023102,249 mi
- 18/01/2024102,813 mi+564 mi
- 10/01/2025104,031 mi+1,218 mi
- 11/01/2025104,031 mi
Average of roughly 905 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
LD51 AAF 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 2001 BMW 3 Series (LD51 AAF) between January 2023 and January 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 11 January 2025 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: Bodywork (5 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 20 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 incorrect colour and blue light fitted to the grill (4.1.4 (a))”; “Nearside Front Headlamp incorrect colour (4.1.4 (a))”; “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution. While the mileage
Priority should be given to identifying the source of the oil leak that has been flagged in the MOT records for three consecutive years. While described as 'not excessive', persistent leaks on these engines can indicate failing gaskets or seals that may become more costly to repair over time. You should also verify that the rear tyres have been replaced following the January 2025 advisory regarding perishing at the base of the tread.
Check the service history for evidence of cooling system maintenance, as this is a known area of concern for early 2000s BMWs. Given the recent Lambda reading failure in January 2025, ensure the exhaust system is fully sealed and the engine is running efficiently. Use the history of minor electrical faults and lighting failures to negotiate a fair price.
The 2979cc petrol engine is the most expensive variant in the range to operate, with significantly higher fuel consumption and road tax than smaller 3 Series engines. Maintenance costs for a 25-year-old premium vehicle are typically higher, especially when addressing the aging rubber components and seals highlighted in the MOT history.
Insurance groups for the 3.0L model are generally higher than for the 2.0L or 2.2L versions. When combined with fuel and expected maintenance for a car of this vintage, annual running costs will be substantial.
Carefully inspect the engine bay and underside for the oil leak mentioned in the 2023, 2024, and 2025 MOT records. Examine the rear tyres specifically for cracking or perishing, as noted in the most recent test. Check the condition of the brake discs for pitting and ensure there is no vibration during braking, referencing the 2024 advisory regarding imbalanced front brakes.
Verify that the lighting is now compliant, as the vehicle failed in January 2025 due to incorrect headlamp colours and an unauthorised blue light in the grill. Finally, check for any signs of exhaust leaks, as a minor leak was noted in 2024 and a Lambda reading failure occurred in 2025.
This silver 3.0L BMW 3 Series has recorded 104,031 miles, which is below the expected average for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history reveals a recurring non-excessive oil leak noted in every test since January 2023, alongside recent issues with perishing rear tyres and exhaust emissions. The vehicle has a history of minor electrical failures, including lighting and warning systems.
This model has an average MOT pass rate of 80.1%, with common failure points typically involving the service brakes, headlamps, and exhaust systems.
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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