1998 BMW Z3 1.9L Petrol · S106 AMD
1998 BMW Z3 (1.9L, petrol). First registered 21/08/1998. Recorded mileage 166,489 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- BMW Z3
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05/06/2024
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 166,489 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 1998
- Engine
- 1895cc
S106 AMD Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 21/07/2026
- 166,489 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 12 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (12 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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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S106 AMD Mileage History
- 11/05/2022163,640 mi
- 23/05/2022163,939 mi+299 mi
- 24/05/2023166,416 mi+2,477 mi
- 07/06/2023166,444 mi+28 mi
- 21/07/2026166,489 mi+45 mi
Average of roughly 679 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
S106 AMD 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 Z3 (S106 AMD) between May 2022 and July 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 21 July 2026 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (12 issues), Brakes (12 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 16 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: “Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn balljoint insecure in lower arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Rear Lower Sub-frame pin or bush excessively worn outer bush separated (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Lower Sub-frame pin or bush excessively worn outer bush separated (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution or avoid unless you are a specialist mechanic. This Z3 shows signs of significant deferred maintenance with multiple critical structural and safety failures appearing in the most recent MOT.
If you are considering this vehicle, a professional structural and mechanical inspection is absolutely non-negotiable. The recent MOT failure includes corroded sub-frame pins and bushes, a fractured coil spring, and an ABS fault—all of which are expensive repairs that de-value the car significantly. You should also check the engine health thoroughly, as the car has a history of failing emissions (carbon monoxide and lambda tests), which could indicate internal engine wear or failing sensors.
Negotiate aggressively based on the immediate work required to make the car roadworthy. Ask for a comprehensive service history, as the MOT data suggests that mechanical issues are only being addressed when they fail a test. Pay close attention to the fuel tank mounting straps and the steering rack, both of which have been flagged as advisories for several years.
With a 1.9L petrol engine, you can expect modest fuel economy, likely around 28-32 mpg depending on driving. Given its age and model, it will fall into a mid-range tax band and insurance costs may vary significantly but are typical for older BMWs.
Annual running costs are estimated at £1,200-£1,600, accounting for fuel, tax, and a high contingency for the frequent suspension and brake-related repairs evidenced in this car's history.
Focus heavily on the braking system and suspension; corroded brake pipes and deteriorated hoses have appeared on every MOT since 2016. Inspect the rear sub-frame specifically for rust and separated bushes, as this was a major failure in 2026. Check the front shock absorbers for leaks, as these have been a recurring issue.
Examine the engine for blue or black smoke, given the repeated failures for carbon monoxide and lambda limits. Also, verify the steering rack for play in the inner joints and ensure the boot lid mechanism works correctly, as this was noted as a failure in the latest test.
This 1998 BMW Z3 has a high mileage of 166,489 miles and a deeply concerning MOT history. While it is a classic roadster, the data reveals a recurring pattern of neglected brake lines, suspension components, and emissions issues. The most recent test in July 2026 saw ten major failures, suggesting the vehicle has not been properly maintained in the short term.
The BMW Z3 is generally robust if well-maintained, but it is prone to rust-related issues and suspension wear over time.
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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