1995 BMW 316 1.6L Petrol · M838 CBY
1995 BMW 316 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 28 Mar 1995. Recorded mileage 52,797 miles. MOT expired on 30 Sept 2026. Taxed until 01 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW 316
- Year / Origin
- 1995 · Manchester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 30 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Feb 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 52,797 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Available on IAGC
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.
M838 CBY Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 11/09/2025
- 52,797 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
M838 CBY MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1995 BMW 316 (M838 CBY) between September 2022 and September 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 10 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 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.
M838 CBY Mileage History
- 01/09/202243,382 mi
- 19/09/202345,641 mi+2,259 mi
- 02/10/202448,960 mi+3,319 mi
- 11/09/202552,797 mi+3,837 mi
Average of roughly 3,109 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A highly recommended example for a classic BMW enthusiast, primarily due to its exceptionally low mileage. The recent MOT history is remarkably clean, showing no recorded defects over the last five years.
When viewing this specific white 316, focus on the documentation regarding its low mileage to ensure it aligns with the recorded 52,797 miles. While the MOT history shows no defects, an MOT is a snapshot of roadworthiness and does not confirm mechanical service history; you should request a full service log to see how the 1596cc engine has been maintained.
Negotiate based on the rarity of such low mileage for a 1995 vehicle. Check for any signs of age-related deterioration, such as perished rubber seals or ageing suspension components, which might not trigger an MOT failure but are common on vehicles that have been driven less frequently.
As a 1.6L petrol model from the mid-90s, running costs will be higher than a modern equivalent. You should expect modest fuel economy typical of this era of BMW, and while tax bands for 1995 vehicles are often lower, insurance groups for older BMWs can vary depending on the driver's profile.
Maintenance costs for a classic BMW can be higher due to the availability of parts. However, the low mileage suggests that major mechanical replacements may not be imminent. Estimated annual running costs are likely to be moderate, provided no major component failures occur.
While this vehicle has had no MOT failures in its recent history, the aggregate data for this model suggests you should pay close attention to the headlamps, tyres, and anti-roll bars, as these are the most common failure points for this model type.
Specifically for this 1995 model, inspect the condition of the tyres, as low-mileage cars can sometimes suffer from age-related perishing even if the tread is deep. Check the suspension components, particularly the anti-roll bar links, and ensure the headlamp alignment and brightness are within legal limits.
This 1995 BMW 316 presents with 52,797 miles, which is significantly lower than the model average of 6,669 miles per year. The MOT history from 2021 to 2025 shows a consistent pattern of passes with zero recorded defects or advisories. Given its age and the 1.6L petrol engine, it represents a well-preserved specimen of the E36 generation.
The BMW 3-series shows an average MOT pass rate of 79.0% across the 14,869 vehicles analysed, with common issues relating to lighting, tyres, and anti-roll bars.
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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