1997 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · R243 ARD
1997 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 200,198 miles. MOT valid until 07 May 2027. Taxed until 01 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 07 May 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 200,198 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.
R243 ARD Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 09/05/2026
- 200,198 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R243 ARD MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 BMW 3 Series (R243 ARD) between July 2022 and May 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 09 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (8 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 26 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: “Rear Bumper damaged and likely to cause injury when grazed or contacted (6.1.4 (a) (i))”; “Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Front Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.
R243 ARD Mileage History
- 17/06/2024179,887 mi
- 17/06/2024179,887 mi
- 09/05/2026200,198 mi+20,311 mi
- 09/05/2026200,198 mi
Average of roughly 10,739 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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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