2006 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Petrol · VBZ 525
2006 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Feb 2006. Recorded mileage 97,593 miles. MOT valid until 23 Nov 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2006 · Worcester
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 23 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 97,593 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
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.
VBZ 525 Key Findings
- 14 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 24/11/2025
- 97,593 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
VBZ 525 MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
14 MOT tests are recorded for this 2006 BMW 3 Series (VBZ 525) between June 2015 and November 2025.
The record contains 9 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 24 November 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 5 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (21 issues), Tyres (7 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Bodywork (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 34 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 Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))”; “Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))”; “Offside Rear Brake hose excessively damaged rubber split to cord (1.1.12 (b) (ii))”.
VBZ 525 Mileage History
- 08/06/201555,366 mi
- 07/07/201664,010 mi+8,644 mi
- 07/07/201664,010 mi
- 07/03/201769,100 mi+5,090 mi
- 07/03/201874,019 mi+4,919 mi
- 05/03/201979,568 mi+5,549 mi
- 04/03/202086,427 mi+6,859 mi
- 04/03/202086,427 mi
- 07/09/202191,599 mi+5,172 mi
- 23/10/202191,870 mi+271 mi
- 14/03/202395,320 mi+3,450 mi
- 14/03/202395,320 mi
- 04/09/202597,593 mi+2,273 mi
- 24/11/202597,593 mi
Average of roughly 4,035 miles per year across 14 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: 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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Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2006 model year cars.
- 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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