1993 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · SWS 234
1993 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 31 Dec 1993. Recorded mileage 124,201 km. MOT expired on 21 Oct 2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1993 · Aberdeen
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 21 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Odometer
- 124,201 km
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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SWS 234 Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 13/10/2025
- 124,201 km recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SWS 234 MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 1993 BMW 3 Series (SWS 234) between September 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 1 advisory notice notes an item to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 1 advisory notice is 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.
SWS 234 Odometer History
- 28/09/2022123,724 km
- 23/10/2023123,815 km+91 km
- 24/09/2024123,914 km+99 km
- 13/10/2025124,201 km+287 km
Average of roughly 157 km per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for BMW 3 Series (E36)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
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.
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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 1993 model year cars.
- Cooling System OverhaulSerious
Plastic water pump impellers shatter, expansion tanks split along mould seams, and composite thermostat housings warp with age. A complete cooling overhaul is essential every 60k–80k miles.
- Rear Shock Mount TearingSerious
The sheet metal towers supporting the rear shock mounts can fatigue and tear out under rough road impacts, leaving the damper loose inside the boot.
- VANOS Rattle & Seal FailureModerate
The variable valve timing unit (single VANOS on M50TU/M52, dual on M52TU) suffers from Buna-N O-ring hardening and bearing axial play, leading to loss of low-end torque and a noisy marble-in-a-tin-can rattle.
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