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2012 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Diesel · SL62 AFY

SL62 AFY

2012 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, diesel). First registered 01/09/2012. Recorded mileage 147,665 miles. MOT valid until 15/11/2026. Taxed until 01/09/2026.

Make & Model
BMW 3 SERIES
Year / Origin
2012 · Edinburgh
MOT Status
Valid until 15/11/2026
Road Tax
Taxed (01/09/2026)
Recorded Mileage
147,665 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
DIESEL · 2.0L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 15/11/2026
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01/09/2026
Fuel Type
DIESEL
Year
2012
Engine
1995cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle’s most recent MOT on 2025-11-10 at 147,665 miles showed minor issues, including tyres nearing legal limits and steering rack play. These faults mirror earlier records, indicating a stable but unresolved maintenance trend. No new critical failures were recorded, but recurring corrosion on rear coil springs and brake pipes, alongside persistent steering rack play, suggests ongoing mechanical neglect. The car remains roadworthy but requires attention to these systemic issues. The mileage progression shows consistent annual usage of ~10,500 miles, aligning with typical patterns for a 14-year-old vehicle. MOTs from 2022 to 2025 are spaced annually, with no gaps exceeding 12 months, reflecting regular maintenance. However, the 2023 tests revealed significant corrosion on rear coil springs and brake pipes, alongside tyre wear and steering rack play. These findings imply prolonged exposure to corrosive environments or inadequate underbody protection, which may accelerate structural degradation. Key areas for in-person inspection include the rear suspension components for further corrosion, brake discs for lipping or thinning, and the steering rack for play or fluid leaks. The nearside rear tyre’s edge wear and the recurring child seat interference in 2023 tests highlight potential issues with rear seat belt functionality. Buyers should also verify the condition of the exhaust system, as corrosion on brake pipes and the presence of grease-covered unions may indicate unresolved fluid leaks or poor maintenance practices.

SL62 AFY Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 10/11/2025
  • 147,665 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring brakes items (5 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

Updating live data
MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
75
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

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.

✓ Valid MOT
✓ Taxed
✓ Good MOT pass rate (80%)
! Older vehicle
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Technical Specifications

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SL62 AFY Mileage History

  1. 03/11/2022106,819 mi
  2. 15/11/2023122,255 mi+15,436 mi
  3. 16/11/2023122,255 mi
  4. 14/11/2024137,715 mi+15,460 mi
  5. 10/11/2025147,665 mi+9,950 mi

Average of roughly 13,526 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

SL62 AFY MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 16 Jul 2026, 11:23
MOT Analysis

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 2012 BMW 3 Series (SL62 AFY) between November 2022 and November 2025.

The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 10 November 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: Brakes (5 issues), Steering (5 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 21 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 Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords outer sidewall cut to ”; “Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
55/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,500
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 147,665 miles is...

Our Verdict

This BMW 3 Series shows significant maintenance concerns, particularly with steering and braking systems, making it a high-risk purchase unless thoroughly inspected and priced accordingly.

Prioritise a full mechanical inspection of the steering rack and suspension, focusing on the 'play in steering rack inner joint(s)' issues recorded in multiple MOTs. Check for evidence of repairs to brake discs, brake pipes, and rear coil springs. Verify service history for consistency with reported failures. Negotiate heavily due to the high mileage and recurring issues. Be cautious of the 'child seat fitted' problems that hinder full safety inspections.

Diesel fuel economy for the 2.0L engine is moderate, with typical combined figures around 40-45 mpg. Tax band is £150 annually (2012 model, £140 for 2017-2020). Insurance group likely falls in the mid-to-high range for a BMW 3 Series. Maintenance costs will be elevated due to repeated brake and steering repairs. Estimated annual running cost: £1,200-£1,500.

Inspect the steering rack for continued play and check suspension components for wear. Examine brake discs for lipping and brake pipes for corrosion. Look for rust on rear coil springs and ensure tires are within legal limits. Check under the vehicle for signs of previous repairs to brake systems. Verify that the child seat issue has been resolved to allow full safety inspections.

The 2012 BMW 3 Series (SL62AFY) has a mixed MOT history with recurring steering rack issues, brake component wear, and tire problems. At 147,665 miles, the mileage is above average for its age, and multiple failures suggest potential ongoing maintenance costs. No aggregate model reliability data is available, but this vehicle's specific history raises red flags.

No aggregate reliability data available for the BMW 3 SERIES, but this vehicle's specific history indicates potential issues with steering and braking systems common to diesel models of this era.

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