2006 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Diesel · MA56 FDO
2006 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, diesel). First registered 30 Sept 2006. Recorded mileage 182,086 miles. MOT expired on 17 Oct 2025. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2006 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 17 Oct 2025
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (18 Aug 2025)
- Recorded Mileage
- 182,086 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 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.
MA56 FDO Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 12/10/2024
- 182,086 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MA56 FDO 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 2006 BMW 3 Series (MA56 FDO) between October 2021 and October 2024.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 5 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 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.
MA56 FDO Mileage History
- 01/10/2021128,896 mi
- 19/10/2022140,613 mi+11,717 mi
- 17/10/2023156,718 mi+16,105 mi
- 12/10/2024182,086 mi+25,368 mi
Average of roughly 17,549 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution due to high mileage
Given the 182,086 miles on the clock, your primary focus should be on the mechanical integrity of the 3.0L diesel engine. Ask for evidence of recent major service intervals, specifically regarding timing chains and turbocharger health, as these are critical at this mileage.
Because the 2022 MOT noted 'n/s/f floor pan damaged' and a missing bumper corner, you must inspect the vehicle's underside and front end for signs of poor repair or ongoing corrosion. Check that the oil leak noted in 2022 has not recurred, as even 'non-excessive' leaks can lead to larger engine issues if left unaddressed.
As a 2993cc diesel, this vehicle falls into a higher tax and insurance bracket than smaller displacement models. Expect fuel economy to be reasonable for a large diesel on long motorway journeys, but urban driving will be less efficient.
Maintenance costs for a high-mileage BMW can be significant; parts for the 3 Series are widely available, but labour for complex engine components can be expensive. Budget for more frequent replacements of consumables like tyres and brakes, given the high mileage recorded.
Prioritise an inspection of the floor pan and front bumper area to ensure the damage reported in 2022 was professionally repaired and hasn't led to rust. You should also check the nearside and offside rear tyres to ensure they are not showing the uneven edge wear noted in previous tests.
Look closely around the engine bay for any fresh traces of oil, following the 2022 advisory for an oil leak. Finally, check the braking system and headlamps, as these are the most common failure points for this model type according to aggregate data.
This 2006 BMW 3 Series diesel has covered 182,086 miles as of its last MOT, which is significantly higher than the model average of 7,283 miles per year. The MOT history shows a clean record in 2023 and 2024, but the 2022 test revealed an oil leak, tyre wear, and damage to the floor pan and bumper. The vehicle's value proposition is heavily dependent on whether the 2022 structural and leak issues were fully rectified.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 80% MOT pass rate, with common failures relating to brakes, headlamps, and exhaust systems.
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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