2001 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · RG51 AWJ
2001 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 12/11/2001. Recorded mileage 122,676 miles. MOT status: Expired. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 16/08/2026
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (16/07/2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 122,676 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 2979cc
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
RG51 AWJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 18/08/2025
- 122,676 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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RG51 AWJ Mileage History
- 05/08/2022117,056 mi
- 14/08/2023118,540 mi+1,484 mi
- 09/08/2024120,110 mi+1,570 mi
- 15/08/2024120,148 mi+38 mi
- 18/08/2025122,676 mi+2,528 mi
Average of roughly 1,850 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
RG51 AWJ 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 2001 BMW 3 Series (RG51 AWJ) between August 2022 and August 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 18 August 2025 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: Tyres (4 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 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: “Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint likely to become detached (5.3.4 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While this 2.9L petrol BMW 3 Series has decent mileage for its age, a history of dangerous MOT failures and persistent suspension issues suggests a pattern of deferred maintenance.
If you are considering this vehicle, you must budget for immediate maintenance. The most recent MOT advisory notes thin front brake pads and an imbalanced braking system, which should be addressed before long journeys. Furthermore, the history of 'slight play' in suspension ball joints and arms appearing repeatedly over several years suggests that while parts are being replaced, the underlying causes (such as alignment or driving style) may not be fully addressed.
Negotiate the price downward based on the pending brake work and the known exhaust leak. Ask for a detailed service history to see if the 'heavy corrosion to rear floors' noted in 2021 was professionally treated or merely monitored. Given the 2979cc engine, ensure the cooling system and oil consumption have been regularly checked, as these are critical for this era of BMW petrol engines.
Running this 3.0-litre petrol BMW will be significantly more expensive than a standard 3 Series. Expect higher fuel consumption due to the large engine displacement and potentially higher insurance groups depending on your profile.
Maintenance costs are likely to be elevated; the MOT history shows a recurring need for suspension components (ball joints, track rod ends, and bushes) and tyres. You should anticipate an annual running cost of approximately £1,500-£2,000, covering fuel, tax, insurance, and the inevitable repairs required to keep an older, high-performance German saloon on the road.
First, inspect the underside of the car thoroughly. A 2021 MOT advisory specifically mentioned 'heavy corrosion to rear floors,' which is a significant structural concern for a vehicle of this age. Check for any signs of recent welding or rust bubbling.
Second, perform a rigorous test drive to check for steering wander or knocks. The vehicle has a long history of suspension issues, including a 'Dangerous' failure for a suspension arm ball joint in 2024 and recurring advisories for worn bushes and ball joints dating back to 2017. Finally, listen closely for exhaust noises, as the most recent MOT (2025) flagged a minor exhaust gas leak.
This 2001 BMW 3 Series (RG51AWJ) is a high-displacement petrol model with 122,676 miles on the clock. While it has passed its most recent MOT, the vehicle's history is marked by several 'Dangerous' and 'Major' failures, particularly concerning tyres, suspension components, and emissions. The recent advisory for an exhaust leak and imbalanced brakes indicates that while it is currently roadworthy, maintenance is an ongoing requirement.
While the E46 generation 3 Series is generally regarded as a robust platform, individual examples can suffer from significant suspension wear and chassis corrosion if not meticulously maintained.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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