2001 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · MA51 RPO
2001 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 99,661 miles. MOT expired on 21 Mar 2023. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 21 Mar 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 99,661 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.
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.
MA51 RPO Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT failed on 02/04/2026
- 99,661 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MA51 RPO 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 (MA51 RPO) between March 2022 and April 2026.
The record contains 1 pass and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 02 April 2026 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
MA51 RPO Mileage History
- 14/03/202296,272 mi
- 22/03/202296,309 mi+37 mi
- 02/04/202699,661 mi+3,352 mi
Average of roughly 836 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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