1998 BMW Z3 2.8L Petrol · S133 AKP
1998 BMW Z3 (2.8L, petrol). First registered 31 Dec 1998. Recorded mileage 143,624 miles. MOT valid until 22 Jun 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW Z3
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 22 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 143,624 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.8L
- 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.
S133 AKP Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 18/06/2026
- 143,624 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S133 AKP 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 (S133 AKP) between June 2023 and June 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 18 June 2026 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: Lighting (7 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Brakes (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: “Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”.
S133 AKP Mileage History
- 05/06/2023142,288 mi
- 10/06/2024142,684 mi+396 mi
- 24/06/2024142,708 mi+24 mi
- 28/05/2025143,244 mi+536 mi
- 18/06/2026143,624 mi+380 mi
Average of roughly 440 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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: Good
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution – the car has a recent clean MOT but a long history of advisory items and past failures that suggest age‑related wear. Only consider it if the price reflects the needed remedial work and you are comfortable with a higher‑maintenance sports car.
When negotiating, use the historic MOT failures as leverage – the anti‑roll bar fracture (2015) and parking brake inefficiency indicate that the rear suspension may need replacement or refurbishment. Ask the seller for any recent service receipts, especially any work on the brake hoses, oil leaks or shock absorbers, as these items have recurred in the MOT advisories. A price reduction of at least £1,500‑£2,000 below market value is reasonable given the likely need for brake hose replacement, suspension bushings and possible engine oil seal work. Ensure the vehicle has a clear V5 and that the mileage progression (only 380 miles between 2025 and 2026) is genuine, as a sudden jump could mask odometer tampering.
The Z3’s 2.8‑litre inline‑six is a smooth engine but can develop oil leaks as seals age – the MOT record flags an oil leak in 2016 and again in 2024. Verify that the leak is minor and not causing excessive oil loss. Also, confirm that the headlamp lenses are clean and that the position lamps are functional, as these were the cause of the 2024 failure. Finally, inspect the tyres – the 2020 MOT noted slight damage on all four tyres, so they may need replacement if not already changed.
The 2.8‑litre petrol engine typically achieves around 30 mpg (combined) in real‑world driving, giving an annual fuel cost of roughly £1,200 if driven 10,000 mi per year at current fuel prices. As a 1998 model, it falls into CO₂ tax band H, costing about £300 per year in road tax. Insurance groups for the Z3 sit around 15‑16, translating to an annual premium of £600‑£800 depending on driver profile. Maintenance on an ageing roadster can be higher than a standard hatchback; budgeting £400‑£600 per year for periodic brake hose replacement, suspension work and occasional oil‑seal repairs is prudent. Overall, expect total running costs in the region of £2,500‑£3,000 per year.
Pay particular attention to the brake system – the MOT history repeatedly notes slight corrosion on brake hose ferrules (2015‑2022) and a rear brake imbalance advisory in 2024. Inspect all brake hoses for signs of cracking or fluid leakage and consider replacing them as a preventative measure. The front lower anti‑roll bar pins and bushes have been flagged as worn in several recent advisories (2024‑2026); check for excessive play in the front suspension and listen for clunking noises over bumps.
Examine the lighting and electrical components: the 2024 failure listed non‑functioning front and rear position lamps, and the 2024 MOT also flagged a faulty emergency light (EML). Verify that all exterior lamps operate correctly and that the headlamp lenses are free of product buildup, as noted in the 2024 advisory. Finally, assess the condition of the tyres and any visible oil leaks – the 2020 MOT highlighted slight damage on all tyres, and oil leak advisories appear in 2016, 2024 and 2026. Look for fresh oil stains around the engine bay and under the car, and confirm that the windscreen damage noted in 2024 does not compromise visibility.
This 1998 BMW Z3 in green has covered 143,624 miles, which is slightly below the average mileage for a car of its age. The latest MOT (June 2026) passed, but the record shows multiple advisories and two failures over the past decade, mainly around brake hoses, anti‑roll bar wear and lighting faults. The car offers classic BMW roadster appeal, yet it will likely need attention to its suspension, brakes and possible oil leaks. Value for money hinges on a low purchase price and a thorough mechanical check.
While specific aggregate data for the BMW Z3 is unavailable, the MOT record shows typical ageing issues such as oil leaks, brake hose corrosion and suspension wear that owners of this model often encounter.
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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