1998 BMW Z3 2.8L Petrol · S785 CUY
1998 BMW Z3 (2.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1998. Recorded mileage 97,302 miles. MOT expired on 13 Jul 2023. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- BMW Z3
- Year / Origin
- 1998 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 13 Jul 2023
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 97,302 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.
S785 CUY Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 15/07/2022
- 97,302 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S785 CUY 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 (S785 CUY) between July 2022 and July 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 15 July 2022 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 (8 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 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: “Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively N/S/F split (3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Front Windscreen washer jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen O/S/F not working (3.5 (a))”; “Nearside Front Position lamp not working Side light not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”.
S785 CUY Mileage History
- 08/07/202297,300 mi
- 15/07/202297,302 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 105 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: 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.
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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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