1997 BMW 7 Series 4.4L Petrol · R950 KAN
1997 BMW 7 Series (4.4L, petrol). First registered 25 Nov 1997. Recorded mileage 196,429 miles. MOT expired on 02 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW 7 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 02 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 196,429 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.
R950 KAN Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 23/10/2025
- 196,429 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R950 KAN MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 BMW 7 Series (R950 KAN) between November 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 2 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 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.
R950 KAN Mileage History
- 03/11/2022195,199 mi
- 01/11/2023195,339 mi+140 mi
- 29/10/2024195,869 mi+530 mi
- 23/10/2025196,429 mi+560 mi
Average of roughly 414 miles per year across 4 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 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: 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 (R950 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as R950KAN.
LONDON TAXIS INT
TX1 SILVER
HONDA
VFR800 FI
VOLKSWAGEN
POLO
ROVER
MAZDA
MX-5
SUZUKI
VX800
TRIUMPH
UNKNOWN
YAMAHA
YP250
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
FLHTCUI
JAGUAR
XKR
FIAT
DUCATO
FIAT
BARCHETTA
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 1997 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.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.