1997 BMW 5 Series 2.8L Petrol · P269 RYW
1997 BMW 5 Series (2.8L, petrol). First registered 23 Jan 1997. Recorded mileage 118,263 miles. MOT expired on 23 May 2025.
- Make & Model
- BMW 5 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 23 May 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 118,263 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.8L
- 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.
P269 RYW Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 20/05/2025
- 118,263 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P269 RYW 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 1997 BMW 5 Series (P269 RYW) between April 2022 and May 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 20 May 2025 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
P269 RYW Mileage History
- 21/04/2022111,902 mi
- 22/03/2023112,803 mi+901 mi
- 24/05/2024113,654 mi+851 mi
- 20/05/2025118,263 mi+4,609 mi
Average of roughly 2,065 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
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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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