1998 BMW Z3 2.8L Petrol · R374 VJB
1998 BMW Z3 (2.8L, petrol). First registered 12 Feb 1998. Recorded mileage 131,520 miles. MOT expired on 29 Sept 2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW Z3
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 29 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 131,520 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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R374 VJB Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 17/09/2026
- 131,520 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (21 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R374 VJB 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 1998 BMW Z3 (R374 VJB) between September 2024 and September 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 17 September 2026 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (21 issues), Lighting (15 issues), Suspension (7 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 36 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 Rear Outer Brake pipe excessively damaged (1.1.11 (c))”; “Nearside Rear Outer Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))”; “Offside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))”.
R374 VJB Mileage History
- 09/09/2024121,809 mi
- 01/10/2024121,809 mi
- 22/09/2025125,686 mi+3,877 mi
- 30/09/2025125,998 mi+312 mi
- 17/09/2026131,520 mi+5,522 mi
Average of roughly 4,806 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW Z3 (E36/7)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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.
Vehicle & Plate History
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BMW Z3 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 1998 model year cars.
- Boot Floor TearingSerious
The single rear differential ear mount applies high twisting torque directly to the thin boot floor crossmember. Spot welds pop and the sheet metal tears away, presenting a severe structural failure risk.
- Cooling System FailureSerious
Sharing E36 architecture, the M43, M44, M52, and M54 engines are prone to plastic radiator neck breakage, thermostat housing warping, and plastic water pump impeller detachment, leading to rapid overheating.
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