1997 BMW 5 Series 2.5L Petrol · P908 AFG
1997 BMW 5 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 May 1997. Recorded mileage 135,059 miles. MOT expired on 16 May 2012.
- Make & Model
- BMW 5 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 16 May 2012
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (30 Aug 2011)
- Recorded Mileage
- 135,059 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.5L
- 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.
P908 AFG Key Findings
- 9 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/05/2011
- 135,059 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P908 AFG MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
9 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 BMW 5 Series (P908 AFG) between January 2006 and May 2011.
The record contains 6 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 17 May 2011 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: Tyres (4 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 3 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: “Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)”; “Front registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)”; “Front registration plate character(s) likely to be misread (6.3.4b)”.
P908 AFG Mileage History
- 11/01/2006121,938 mi
- 20/01/2006121,938 mi
- 26/02/2007122,254 mi+316 mi
- 10/03/2007122,255 mi+1 mi
- 10/03/2008122,703 mi+448 mi
- 17/03/2009124,092 mi+1,389 mi
- 17/03/2009124,093 mi+1 mi
- 11/05/2010131,577 mi+7,484 mi
- 17/05/2011135,059 mi+3,482 mi
Average of roughly 2,455 miles per year across 9 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.
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On 540i models, the U-shaped plastic timing chain guide shatters, leading to potential engine destruction if the chain jumps.
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