2012 BMW X3 2.0L Diesel · MM05 REA
2012 BMW X3 (2.0L, diesel). First registered 01 Sept 2012. Recorded mileage 117,901 miles. MOT valid until 12 Sept 2027. Taxed until 01 Jan 2027. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- BMW X3
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Valid until 12 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jan 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 117,901 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
MM05 REA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/09/2026
- 117,901 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
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MM05 REA Mileage History
- 11/09/202372,656 mi
- 14/09/202372,664 mi+8 mi
- 14/09/202485,058 mi+12,394 mi
- 28/08/2025100,438 mi+15,380 mi
- 04/09/2026117,901 mi+17,463 mi
Average of roughly 15,174 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
MM05 REA 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 X3 (MM05 REA) between September 2023 and September 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 04 September 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 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 Side repeater light intensity significantly reduced (4.4.3 (a))”; “Nearside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution. While the vehicle
The primary focus for any buyer should be the recurring oil leaks. Because these have been flagged in the engine and differential across three consecutive MOTs, you should obtain a professional mechanical inspection to determine the source and potential cost of repair. Do not assume these are minor if they have persisted since 2024.
Check the service history specifically for any evidence of gasket replacements or differential seals being addressed. Given the age of the vehicle and the mileage, ensure that the braking system has been serviced recently, as thin pads were noted in the 2025 record.
As a 2.0L diesel, this X3 offers a balance of torque and fuel efficiency typical for the model, though tax and insurance will reflect its luxury SUV classification. Maintenance costs for a 14-year-old BMW can be higher than average, particularly if the recurring oil leaks require significant engine or drivetrain work.
Typical annual costs will include diesel fuel, road tax based on 2012 emissions standards, and insurance. Regular servicing for this engine size is essential to prevent the 'not excessive' leaks from becoming critical failures.
Carefully inspect the engine bay and the rear differential for signs of active oil seepage, as these were specifically flagged in the 2024, 2025, and 2026 MOTs. Check the offside front brake back plate for looseness and verify the current thickness of the brake pads, following the advisory from August 2025.
Additionally, check the current tread depth of all four tyres. While the 2024 MOT flagged all four as worn close to the legal limit, you should verify if they have since been replaced. Finally, test all exterior lighting, including the side repeaters, which caused a failure in September 2023.
This 2012 white BMW X3 has recorded 117,901 miles, which aligns closely with the model's average annual mileage. The MOT history shows a generally stable record, though the last three tests (2024, 2025, and 2026) have all noted oil leaks described as 'not excessive'. Aside from a minor failure regarding side repeaters in 2023, the vehicle has passed its recent inspections.
The BMW X3 has an average MOT pass rate of 84.4%, with common failure points typically involving coil springs and lighting components.
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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