1997 BMW Z3 2.8L Petrol · R494 AKE
1997 BMW Z3 (2.8L, petrol). First registered 23 Sept 1997. Recorded mileage 64,753 miles. MOT expired on 09 Feb 2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW Z3
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 09 Feb 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 64,753 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.8L
- 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.
R494 AKE Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 13/01/2025
- 64,753 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R494 AKE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 BMW Z3 (R494 AKE) between February 2023 and January 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 0 failures.
No failures or advisories appear anywhere in the recorded tests, so the documented MOT record is relatively clean.
R494 AKE Mileage History
- 10/02/202364,726 mi
- 11/01/202464,743 mi+17 mi
- 13/01/202564,753 mi+10 mi
Average of roughly 14 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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: 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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (R494 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as R494AKE.
VOLKSWAGEN
TIGUAN
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FXDWG
KAWASAKI
ER5
MG
TF
YAMAHA
FZS600
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY
BMW
R1100
BMW
525
ROVER
620
ROVER
214
HONDA
CBR900RR
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 1997 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.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.