2001 BMW 3 Series 1.9L Petrol · LG51 MZL
2001 BMW 3 Series (1.9L, petrol). First registered 31 Dec 2001. Recorded mileage 125,194 miles. MOT expired on 30 May 2024. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Stanmore (North London)
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 30 May 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 125,194 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.9L
- 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.
LG51 MZL Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 01/06/2023
- 125,194 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LG51 MZL 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 2001 BMW 3 Series (LG51 MZL) between June 2022 and June 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 01 June 2023 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: Lighting (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 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: “Emissions unable to be completed (8.2.1.2 (d))”; “Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak (8.2.1.1 (b))”; “Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))”.
LG51 MZL Mileage History
- 01/06/2022121,396 mi
- 01/06/2023125,192 mi+3,796 mi
- 01/06/2023125,194 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 3,802 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW 3 Series (E46)
Our database tracks 4 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.
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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 2001 model year cars.
- Rear Subframe CrackingSerious
The rear floor can tear where the subframe mounts attach to the shell, especially on early cars and six-cylinder manuals. Ignoring it risks major structural damage.
- Cooling System OverhaulSerious
Expansion tanks, radiators, thermostats, and plastic-impeller-era water pumps fail with age. One overheating event can ruin the alloy straight-six.
- VANOS Seal WearModerate
The VANOS seals harden with age, flattening low-end torque and making the engine feel lethargic or uneven through the mid-range.
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