2001 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · VA51 AYS
2001 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 17 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 85,255 miles. MOT expired on 15 Sept 2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Worcester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 15 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 85,255 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.
VA51 AYS Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/09/2025
- 85,255 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
VA51 AYS 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 2001 BMW 3 Series (VA51 AYS) between August 2022 and September 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 16 September 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
VA51 AYS Mileage History
- 18/08/202283,819 mi
- 04/09/202384,460 mi+641 mi
- 06/09/202486,049 mi+1,589 mi
- 04/09/202585,241 mi-808 mi
- 16/09/202585,255 mi+14 mi
Average of roughly 466 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
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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