1999 BMW Z3 1.9L Petrol · S818 EWW
1999 BMW Z3 (1.9L, petrol). First registered 07 Jan 1999. Recorded mileage 77,390 miles. MOT expired on 02 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW Z3
- Year / Origin
- 1999 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 02 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 77,390 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.
S818 EWW Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 30/10/2025
- 77,390 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring bodywork & corrosion items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
S818 EWW 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 1999 BMW Z3 (S818 EWW) between October 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 30 October 2025 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: Bodywork (3 issues), Steering (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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 Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))”.
S818 EWW Mileage History
- 31/10/202275,245 mi
- 28/10/202375,802 mi+557 mi
- 22/10/202476,521 mi+719 mi
- 30/10/202577,390 mi+869 mi
- 30/10/202577,390 mi
Average of roughly 715 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with significant caution due to recurring structural corrosion issues. While the mileage is reasonable for the age, the MOT history shows a progression of rust that requires expert specialist attention to resolve.
When inspecting this Z3, your priority must be the underbody. The MOT history documents corrosion in the outer sills and jacking points as far as 2024, escalating to a specific advisory regarding the nearside front integral body structure in 2025. You should have a professional welder perform a structural inspection to determine if the rust is surface-level or if it is compromising the car's integrity.
Check the service history for consistent maintenance of the 1.9L engine and pay attention to the power steering system, which was noted for seeping earlier in its life. Given the steering rack inner joint play noted in 2024, ensure this has been addressed or is tight. Negotiate based on the potential cost of future structural metalwork, as these are notoriously expensive on this generation of BMW road chassis.
The 1895cc engine is relatively economical compared to larger Z3 variants, offering decent fuel economy for a classic roadster. Tax bands for this era are generally moderate, though insurance groups can vary significantly based on your profile and the car's classic status.
Maintenance costs will be higher than a modern hatchback due to the age of the vehicle and the specific corrosion issues identified. Expect to budget an annual running cost of approximately £1,200-£1,500, covering fuel, tax, insurance, and preventative maintenance.
Focus heavily on the sills and suspension mounting points. The MOT record specifically mentions corrosion on both rear outer sills around jacking points (2024) and front suspension mounting areas (2021). The most recent 2025 advisory regarding the nearside front integral body structure is a potential red flag that needs a close look.
Examine the steering rack for play, as an inner joint issue was flagged in 2024. Also, check the front shock absorbers for leaks, as misting was noted in 2024, and inspect the brake pipes for the corrosion mentioned in the same year, which was reportedly covered in grease—potentially to hide further decay.
This 1999 BMW Z3 features a 1.9L engine and sits 77,390 miles, which is below average for a 27-year-old vehicle. However, the MOT history reveals a persistent pattern of rust affecting the sills, suspension mounting points, and integral body structure. While it passed its most recent test, the nature of the structural corrosion suggests the car is reaching a point where maintenance costs could escalate.
The BMW Z3 is generally considered reliable if the mechanical components are maintained, but it is prone to rust if not kept in dry environments.
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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