1998 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · R783 AGV
1998 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Apr 1998. Recorded mileage 165,635 miles. MOT valid until 12 Jun 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 12 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 165,635 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.
R783 AGV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/06/2026
- 165,635 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R783 AGV 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 3 Series (R783 AGV) between May 2022 and June 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 12 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (4 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 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.
R783 AGV Mileage History
- 20/05/2022149,187 mi
- 14/06/2023155,990 mi+6,803 mi
- 29/05/2024156,112 mi+122 mi
- 11/06/2025159,595 mi+3,483 mi
- 10/06/2026165,635 mi+6,040 mi
Average of roughly 4,053 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 3 Series (E36)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
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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BMW 3 SERIES 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.
- Cooling System OverhaulSerious
Plastic water pump impellers shatter, expansion tanks split along mould seams, and composite thermostat housings warp with age. A complete cooling overhaul is essential every 60k–80k miles.
- Rear Shock Mount TearingSerious
The sheet metal towers supporting the rear shock mounts can fatigue and tear out under rough road impacts, leaving the damper loose inside the boot.
- VANOS Rattle & Seal FailureModerate
The variable valve timing unit (single VANOS on M50TU/M52, dual on M52TU) suffers from Buna-N O-ring hardening and bearing axial play, leading to loss of low-end torque and a noisy marble-in-a-tin-can rattle.
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