1997 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · R165 BLF
1997 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 29 Oct 1997. Recorded mileage 146,100 miles. MOT valid until 20 Jun 2027. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 20 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 146,100 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.
R165 BLF Key Findings
- 27 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 22/06/2026
- 146,100 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 7 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (26 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R165 BLF MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
27 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 BMW M3 (R165 BLF) between April 2006 and June 2026.
The record contains 20 passes and 7 failures.
The most recent test on 22 June 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 7 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (26 issues), Lighting (18 issues), Brakes (15 issues), Bodywork (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 61 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: “Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))”.
R165 BLF Mileage History
- 19/04/200683,165 mi
- 13/04/200788,857 mi+5,692 mi
- 28/04/200893,946 mi+5,089 mi
- 20/04/200999,388 mi+5,442 mi
- 20/04/200999,398 mi+10 mi
- 20/04/2010105,434 mi+6,036 mi
- 20/04/2010105,436 mi+2 mi
- 27/04/2011110,173 mi+4,737 mi
- 17/05/2012116,250 mi+6,077 mi
- 09/04/2013120,158 mi+3,908 mi
- 08/04/2014123,682 mi+3,524 mi
- 10/04/2014123,683 mi+1 mi
- 25/04/2015129,020 mi+5,337 mi
- 07/04/2016132,804 mi+3,784 mi
- 11/04/2017136,122 mi+3,318 mi
- 25/04/2018137,933 mi+1,811 mi
- 16/04/2019140,095 mi+2,162 mi
- 17/04/2019140,095 mi
- 24/10/2020141,345 mi+1,250 mi
- 15/10/2021141,477 mi+132 mi
- 20/10/2021141,477 mi
- 20/12/2022143,194 mi+1,717 mi
- 28/11/2023144,143 mi+949 mi
- 01/12/2023144,143 mi
- 30/04/2025146,000 mi+1,857 mi
- 01/05/2025146,000 mi
- 22/06/2026146,100 mi+100 mi
Average of roughly 3,119 miles per year across 27 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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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