1998 BMW 7 Series 4.4L Petrol · S255 BPL
1998 BMW 7 Series (4.4L, petrol). First registered 02 Nov 1998. Recorded mileage 180,356 miles. MOT expired on 24 Nov 2024. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- BMW 7 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 24 Nov 2024
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 180,356 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 4.4L
- 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.
S255 BPL Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 25/11/2023
- 180,356 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 15 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S255 BPL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1998 BMW 7 Series (S255 BPL) between November 2021 and November 2023.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 25 November 2023 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: Brakes (11 issues), Bodywork (11 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Suspension (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 36 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: “Oil leaking excessively from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Central Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”.
S255 BPL Mileage History
- 09/11/2021179,354 mi
- 16/11/2022180,306 mi+952 mi
- 16/11/2022180,306 mi
- 25/11/2023180,356 mi+50 mi
Average of roughly 490 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW 7 Series (E38)
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 7 SERIES 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.
- Fuel Tank LeakSerious
The pressed-steel saddle fuel tank develops rust along the crimped centre seam and around the upper breather pipes due to trapped road grime. Remedying requires dropping the exhaust, propshaft, and rear subframe.
- EDC Suspension LeaksSerious
The optional Electronic Damper Control (EDC) active shock absorbers leak hydraulic damping oil past internal shaft seals. Replacement OEM dampers cost upwards of £800 each, prompting many UK owners to fit standard Sachs dampers.
- Cooling System OverhaulSerious
Like the E39, the M52, M60, and M62 cooling systems suffer from brittle plastic radiator necks that snap under pressure, weeping water pump bearings, and cracked expansion tanks.
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