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Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid
Road Tax Paid

1995 BMW M3 3.0L Petrol · M980 SFV

M980 SFV

1995 BMW M3 (3.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Jan 1995. Recorded mileage 166,531 miles. MOT valid until 23 Jan 2027. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.

Make & Model
BMW M3
Year / Origin
1995 · Manchester
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 23 Jan 2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
Recorded Mileage
166,531 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
PETROL · 3.0L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 23 Jan 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Nov 2026
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
1995
Engine
2990cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The most recent MOT on 2026-01-23 showed the vehicle passed, but it included multiple corrosion issues on suspension components and brake pipes. The offside front brake pipe was corroded and covered in grease, while several suspension mounting areas showed corrosion, though not deemed excessive. Front and rear brake discs were worn and pitted but not seriously weakened. A nearside front child seat obstructed inspection of the adult belt. This suggests ongoing maintenance challenges, particularly with corrosion and brake wear. A prior MOT on 2026-01-20, just three days earlier, resulted in a fail. It listed more severe corrosion, including "excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength" on the offside front inner suspension and shock absorber mounting. This indicates a critical issue that may have been addressed between tests, but the proximity of the fail and pass raises concerns about the vehicle’s structural integrity and the thoroughness of repairs. Corrosion on suspension mounting areas and brake components has been a recurring theme since 2024. In 2024-01-09, both suspension and subframe mounts showed corrosion, and brake discs were worn.
Used Car Buyer Alert1 in 3 UK cars has hidden active finance or write-off history

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.

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M980 SFV Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 23/01/2026
  • 166,531 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring brakes items (13 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

M980 SFV MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 15 Jun 2026, 15:33
MOT Analysis

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 1995 BMW M3 (M980 SFV) between January 2024 and January 2026.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 23 January 2026 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: Brakes (13 issues), Suspension (13 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 31 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 Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural”; “Offside Front Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural”; “Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

M980 SFV Mileage History

  1. 09/01/2024166,524 mi
  2. 09/01/2024166,524 mi
  3. 24/01/2025166,528 mi+4 mi
  4. 20/01/2026166,531 mi+3 mi
  5. 23/01/2026166,531 mi

Average of roughly 3 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

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Reliability & Known Issues

Known faults for BMW M3

Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.

1995 Common Problems
MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
75
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

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.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Average MOT pass rate (60%)
Older vehicle
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Experian Provenance Data

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

Checks the UK insurance total loss register for Category A, B, S, or N write-offs.

MIAFTR Insurance Database: [Query Required]
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MIAFTR Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

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Active Stolen Marker Search: [Check to Reveal]
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SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

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Salvage Auction Registries: [Query Required]
Trade Auction Disposal Lots: [Check to Reveal]
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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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Import & Prior VRM Register: [Query Required]
Country of Origin Audit: [Check to Reveal]
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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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Customs & Export Register: [Query Required]
UK Road Eligibility Marker: [Check to Reveal]
Export Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

Scrappage & ATF Register: [Query Required]
Disposal Notification Check: [Check to Reveal]
Scrappage Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

Certificate of Destruction Register: [Query Required]
Statutory Scrapping Decrees: [Check to Reveal]
Destruction Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

Audits number of registered keepers and latest V5C logbook issue date.

DVLA Logbook Issue Date: [Query Required]
Previous Keepers Count: [Check to Reveal]
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Common Problems: BMW M3

Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.

View all BMW M3 problems →

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BMW M3 Model Intelligence & Reliability

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1995 Production Year
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