1998 BMW 7 Series 4.4L Petrol · R880 WLA
1998 BMW 7 Series (4.4L, petrol). First registered 01 Jan 1998. Recorded mileage 141,956 miles. MOT expired on 23 Jul 2024. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- BMW 7 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 23 Jul 2024
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 141,956 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 4.4L
- 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.
R880 WLA Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 25/07/2023
- 141,956 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R880 WLA MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 BMW 7 Series (R880 WLA) between July 2023 and July 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 25 July 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn Front. (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
R880 WLA Mileage History
- 21/07/2023141,956 mi
- 25/07/2023141,956 mi
Average of roughly 0 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
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Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for BMW 7 Series (E38)
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.
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BMW 7 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.
- Fuel Tank LeakSerious
The pressed-steel saddle fuel tank develops rust along the crimped centre seam and around the upper breather pipes due to trapped road grime. Remedying requires dropping the exhaust, propshaft, and rear subframe.
- EDC Suspension LeaksSerious
The optional Electronic Damper Control (EDC) active shock absorbers leak hydraulic damping oil past internal shaft seals. Replacement OEM dampers cost upwards of £800 each, prompting many UK owners to fit standard Sachs dampers.
- Cooling System OverhaulSerious
Like the E39, the M52, M60, and M62 cooling systems suffer from brittle plastic radiator necks that snap under pressure, weeping water pump bearings, and cracked expansion tanks.
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