2001 BMW 3 Series 2.2L Petrol · SH51 GWV
2001 BMW 3 Series (2.2L, petrol). First registered 12 Dec 2001. Recorded mileage 145,481 miles. MOT expired on 22 May 2024.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 22 May 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 145,481 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.2L
- 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.
SH51 GWV Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 18/05/2023
- 145,481 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SH51 GWV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 BMW 3 Series (SH51 GWV) between May 2022 and May 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 18 May 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 (6 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 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: “Offside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))”; “Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))”; “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))”.
SH51 GWV Mileage History
- 23/05/2022136,454 mi
- 24/05/2022136,454 mi
- 18/05/2023145,481 mi+9,027 mi
Average of roughly 9,155 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW 3 Series (E46)
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 3 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 2001 model year cars.
- Rear Subframe CrackingSerious
The rear floor can tear where the subframe mounts attach to the shell, especially on early cars and six-cylinder manuals. Ignoring it risks major structural damage.
- Cooling System OverhaulSerious
Expansion tanks, radiators, thermostats, and plastic-impeller-era water pumps fail with age. One overheating event can ruin the alloy straight-six.
- VANOS Seal WearModerate
The VANOS seals harden with age, flattening low-end torque and making the engine feel lethargic or uneven through the mid-range.
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