1998 BMW Z3 1.9L Petrol · S231 BHC
1998 BMW Z3 (1.9L, petrol). First registered 14 Sept 1998. Recorded mileage 99,382 miles. MOT expired on 08 May 2023.
- Make & Model
- BMW Z3
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 08 May 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 99,382 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.9L
- 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.
S231 BHC Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 21/06/2023
- 99,382 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S231 BHC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 BMW Z3 (S231 BHC) between May 2022 and June 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 21 June 2023 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Brake performance unable to be tested excessive coolant leak engine unsafe to run (1.2.1 (g))”; “Emissions unable to be completed due to coolant leak ,unsafe to proceed (8.2.1.2 (d))”; “Fluid leak harmful to the environment or a risk to other road users coolant leak (8.4.1 (a) (i))”.
S231 BHC Mileage History
- 10/05/202299,354 mi
- 21/06/202399,382 mi+28 mi
Average of roughly 25 miles per year across 2 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: 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 1998 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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