2005 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · SO55 RNU
2005 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 02 Dec 2005. Recorded mileage 70,632 miles. MOT expired on 21 Apr 2025.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Edinburgh
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 21 Apr 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 70,632 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.5L
- 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.
SO55 RNU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 23/04/2024
- 70,632 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SO55 RNU 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 2005 BMW 3 Series (SO55 RNU) between March 2022 and April 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 23 April 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (7 issues), Steering (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 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 Rear Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened Support Bracket Corroded And Holed (5.3.3 (b) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened Support Bracket Corroded And Holed (5.3.3 (b) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorbers insecurely attached (5.3.2 (a) (i))”.
SO55 RNU Mileage History
- 16/03/202257,028 mi
- 16/03/202363,882 mi+6,854 mi
- 29/03/202363,900 mi+18 mi
- 27/03/202470,351 mi+6,451 mi
- 23/04/202470,632 mi+281 mi
Average of roughly 6,465 miles per year across 5 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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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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