1997 BMW 5 Series 2.8L Petrol · P306 SUW
1997 BMW 5 Series (2.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Apr 1997. Recorded mileage 164,836 miles. MOT expired on 13 Jul 2013. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- BMW 5 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 13 Jul 2013
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 164,836 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.
P306 SUW Key Findings
- 13 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 19/07/2012
- 164,836 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (9 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P306 SUW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
13 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 BMW 5 Series (P306 SUW) between December 2005 and July 2012.
The record contains 8 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 19 July 2012 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 5 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (9 issues), Tyres (8 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 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.
P306 SUW Mileage History
- 23/12/2005112,949 mi
- 02/01/2007118,892 mi+5,943 mi
- 02/01/2007118,892 mi
- 07/01/2008127,538 mi+8,646 mi
- 07/01/2008127,538 mi
- 12/01/2009136,339 mi+8,801 mi
- 22/12/2009143,938 mi+7,599 mi
- 22/12/2009143,938 mi
- 23/08/2010148,135 mi+4,197 mi
- 23/08/2010148,135 mi
- 14/07/2011156,139 mi+8,004 mi
- 14/07/2011156,139 mi
- 19/07/2012164,836 mi+8,697 mi
Average of roughly 7,896 miles per year across 13 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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