1997 BMW Z3 2.8L Petrol · R702 BAX
1997 BMW Z3 (2.8L, petrol). First registered 19 Sept 1997. Recorded mileage 84,867 miles. MOT expired on 06 Oct 2025.
- Make & Model
- BMW Z3
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 06 Oct 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 84,867 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.
R702 BAX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 08/10/2024
- 84,867 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R702 BAX 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 Z3 (R702 BAX) between May 2022 and October 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 08 October 2024 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: Lighting (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))”; “Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick Brake pads (1.1.13 (a) (ii))”.
R702 BAX Mileage History
- 11/05/202284,646 mi
- 11/05/202284,649 mi+3 mi
- 14/06/202384,804 mi+155 mi
- 27/09/202484,865 mi+61 mi
- 08/10/202484,867 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 92 miles per year across 5 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: Below 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 (R702 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as R702BAX.
VOLVO
S70
PEUGEOT
306
KAWASAKI
VN800
RENAULT
MEGANE
SUZUKI
GSF1200
MAZDA
BONGO
LAND ROVER
DISCOVERY
MAZDA
323
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
FORD
ESCORT
YAMAHA
VOLVO
900 Series
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.