2012 BMW Z4 2.0L Petrol · LN12 LUL
2012 BMW Z4 (2.0L, petrol). First registered 11 May 2012. Recorded mileage 101,210 miles. MOT expired on 27 Apr 2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW Z4
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 27 Apr 2026
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (31 Mar 2024)
- Recorded Mileage
- 101,210 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
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.
LN12 LUL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 29/04/2025
- 101,210 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LN12 LUL 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 2012 BMW Z4 (LN12 LUL) between January 2023 and April 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 29 April 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: Tyres (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 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 Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii))”; “Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))”.
LN12 LUL Mileage History
- 20/01/202391,630 mi
- 23/01/202391,630 mi
- 16/08/2024100,836 mi+9,206 mi
- 23/08/2024100,837 mi+1 mi
- 29/04/2025101,210 mi+373 mi
Average of roughly 4,216 miles per year across 5 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 Z4 (E89)
Our database tracks 3 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.
Digital Service History
Access verified franchised dealer maintenance records for LN12LUL.
Unlock Manufacturer Digital Service Records
Check franchised dealer maintenance history for LN12LUL. Our direct integration verifies routine service events, workshop operations, recorded mileage, and technician logs.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2012 BMW Z4 offers stylish open-top motoring with modest mileage for its age, but its MOT history points to a history of patchy maintenance. Buyers should proceed with caution and verify that critical items like tyres and brakes have been properly addressed.
When inspecting this Z4, check the wheel nuts immediately to ensure all four wheels are properly secured, as the April 2025 MOT noted a missing nut on each wheel. Review the service book thoroughly to see if the previous mechanical neglect—such as past engine management warnings and worn brakes—was met with professional servicing or quick fixes. Negotiate hard on price given the history of dangerous MOT failures and the immediate need for tyre attention.
Inspect the retractable hardtop mechanism carefully, operating it multiple times to ensure smooth operation without hesitation or hydraulic leaks. Given the 1997cc petrol engine, listen for any unusual timing chain rattles or rough idling upon a cold start, and ensure all dashboard warning lights clear correctly after ignition.
Fuel economy for the 2.0-litre petrol engine is generally respectable for a sports car, typically returning mid-30s MPG on combined runs. Insurance will sit in a moderate-to-high group typical for BMW roadsters, and road tax costs will align with standard petrol vehicle bands of its era.
Maintenance costs can be higher than average due to BMW parts pricing and the complexity of the folding hardtop roof. Expect typical annual running costs including fuel, insurance, tax, and routine servicing to range between £1,800 and £2,200 depending on your annual mileage and insurance profile.
Pay close attention to the tyres, referencing the April 2025 advisory for an offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit, and past failures in 2024 (exposed cords) and 2016 (fractured nearside rear wheel and worn tyres). The car's 19-inch wheels and low-profile run-flat tyres are particularly vulnerable to pothole damage and cracking.
Verify the braking system thoroughly following the January 2023 failure for rear brake pads measuring less than 1.5mm. Check that the SRS airbag warning light functions correctly, noting the historical 2021 fault, and ensure the engine management system (MIL) shows no recurring faults after its 2023 failure.
First registered in May 2012 and finished in white, this 1997cc petrol BMW Z4 has covered 101,210 miles as of its April 2025 MOT. The vehicle's history shows a pattern of deferred maintenance, featuring multiple MOT failures for dangerous defects including exposed tyre cords and severely worn brake pads. However, it currently holds a valid MOT until April 2026, though the most recent test noted a rear tyre close to the legal limit and a missing wheel nut on each wheel.
The BMW Z4 is generally considered a solid sports car platform, though electronics, folding roof mechanisms, and suspension components require vigilant maintenance as the vehicle ages.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (LN12 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as LN12LUL.
FIAT
500L
RENAULT
MASTER
AUDI
A3
HUONIAO
HN 125-8
VOLVO
XC90
HUSQVARNA
TE 310
PIAGGIO
VESPA GTS 125
FORD
S-MAX
KYMCO
PULSAR 125
FIAT
DUCATO
RIEJU
RS2
SKYJET
UNKNOWN
BMW Z4 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 2012 model year cars.
- Cracked Alloy WheelsSerious
The combination of large 19-inch alloy wheels (especially Style 296 and Style 326M), stiff low-profile run-flat tyres, and rigid M Sport damping causes the inner rim barrel to crack under impact from potholes.
- High Pressure Fuel Pump (35i)Serious
The direct-injection twin-turbo N54 engine in 35i and 35is models features a high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) that suffers internal mechanical seal and solenoid failure, causing long cranking times and limp-home mode under load.
- Folding Roof Relays/PumpSerious
The two-piece retractable electro-hydraulic hardtop relies on twin salmon-coloured relays located near the battery. Sticking relay contacts keep the hydraulic pump motor running continuously until it burns out or overheats.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.