1997 BMW Z3 2.8L Petrol · R996 AAB
1997 BMW Z3 (2.8L, petrol). First registered 08 Aug 1997. Recorded mileage 121,861 miles. MOT expired on 12 Sept 2022.
- Make & Model
- BMW Z3
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 12 Sept 2022
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 121,861 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
This vehicle has not had an MOT in the past 5 years. Mechanical analysis was skipped.
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.
R996 AAB Key Findings
- 23 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 13/09/2021
- 121,861 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 9 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (21 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
R996 AAB MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
23 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 BMW Z3 (R996 AAB) between February 2006 and September 2021.
The record contains 14 passes and 9 failures.
The most recent test on 13 September 2021 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 9 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (21 issues), Tyres (15 issues), Lighting (12 issues), Suspension (10 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 30 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))”; “Front registration plate insecure (6.3.1b)”; “Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)”.
R996 AAB Mileage History
- 21/02/200664,615 mi
- 23/02/200773,629 mi+9,014 mi
- 27/02/200882,603 mi+8,974 mi
- 27/02/200882,603 mi
- 27/02/200988,624 mi+6,021 mi
- 02/03/200988,640 mi+16 mi
- 18/02/201092,034 mi+3,394 mi
- 08/03/2011101,856 mi+9,822 mi
- 22/05/2012107,125 mi+5,269 mi
- 24/05/2012107,125 mi
- 13/03/2014110,268 mi+3,143 mi
- 14/03/2014110,275 mi+7 mi
- 27/04/2015112,020 mi+1,745 mi
- 27/04/2015112,020 mi
- 30/04/2016113,173 mi+1,153 mi
- 30/04/2016113,173 mi
- 25/04/2017118,313 mi+5,140 mi
- 09/05/2017118,381 mi+68 mi
- 08/05/2018120,627 mi+2,246 mi
- 15/05/2018120,627 mi
- 13/05/2019120,860 mi+233 mi
- 15/05/2019120,861 mi+1 mi
- 13/09/2021121,861 mi+1,000 mi
Average of roughly 3,679 miles per year across 23 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
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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.
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