1997 BMW 5 Series 4.4L Petrol · P21 TMW
1997 BMW 5 Series (4.4L, petrol). First registered 01 Jan 1997. Recorded mileage 187,436 miles. MOT expired on 19 Mar 2009. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- BMW 5 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 19 Mar 2009
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 187,436 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 4.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
P21 TMW Key Findings
- 6 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 20/03/2008
- 187,436 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P21 TMW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
6 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 BMW 5 Series (P21 TMW) between March 2006 and March 2008.
The record contains 3 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 20 March 2008 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 3 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (11 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 19 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: “Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)”; “Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)”; “Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)”.
P21 TMW Mileage History
- 15/03/2006166,246 mi
- 15/03/2006166,246 mi
- 13/03/2007173,231 mi+6,985 mi
- 13/03/2007173,231 mi
- 17/03/2008187,436 mi+14,205 mi
- 20/03/2008187,436 mi
Average of roughly 10,513 miles per year across 6 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW 5 Series (E39)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
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.
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BMW 5 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 1997 model year cars.
- Cooling System "Explosion"Serious
Plastic radiators, expansion tanks, and water pump impellers fail with age. One overheating event can warp the aluminium head or blow the head gasket on straight-six and V8 models.
- Thrust Arm Bush Failure (50mph Shimmy)Moderate
The front suspension relies on large rubber hydro-bushes in the thrust arms. When these leak or tear, the car develops a severe vibration through the steering wheel.
- V8 Timing Chain Guide FailureSerious
On 540i models, the U-shaped plastic timing chain guide shatters, leading to potential engine destruction if the chain jumps.
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