1997 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · R151 AEV
1997 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 04 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 156,391 miles. MOT expired on 03 Jan 2024.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 03 Jan 2024
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (31 May 2024)
- Recorded Mileage
- 156,391 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.2L
- 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.
R151 AEV Key Findings
- 20 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/01/2023
- 156,391 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (28 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R151 AEV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
20 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 BMW M3 (R151 AEV) between November 2005 and January 2023.
The record contains 15 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 04 January 2023 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: Brakes (28 issues), Lighting (11 issues), Tyres (9 issues), Suspension (9 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (6 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 50 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: “Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))”; “Emissions not tested (8.2.1.2 (d))”; “Nearside Front coil spring broken (2.4.C.1a)”.
R151 AEV Mileage History
- 19/11/2005104,749 mi
- 25/11/2006108,782 mi+4,033 mi
- 20/09/2007112,359 mi+3,577 mi
- 21/09/2007112,362 mi+3 mi
- 18/09/2008119,860 mi+7,498 mi
- 23/09/2009125,746 mi+5,886 mi
- 23/09/2010128,837 mi+3,091 mi
- 10/11/2011132,058 mi+3,221 mi
- 10/11/2011132,058 mi
- 09/06/2015132,140 mi+82 mi
- 12/06/2015132,197 mi+57 mi
- 13/06/2016137,389 mi+5,192 mi
- 12/06/2017142,810 mi+5,421 mi
- 19/06/2017142,814 mi+4 mi
- 15/06/2018146,848 mi+4,034 mi
- 02/10/2019150,034 mi+3,186 mi
- 04/10/2019150,075 mi+41 mi
- 27/11/2020152,778 mi+2,703 mi
- 10/12/2021155,660 mi+2,882 mi
- 04/01/2023156,391 mi+731 mi
Average of roughly 3,016 miles per year across 20 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW M3
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: 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.
Common Problems: BMW M3
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
View all BMW M3 problems →Similar Vehicles
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