2001 BMW 3 Series 2.9L Diesel · WIA 27
2001 BMW 3 Series (2.9L, diesel). First registered 20 Oct 2001. Recorded mileage 180,825 miles. MOT valid until 26 Nov 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Exeter
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 26 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 180,825 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.9L
- 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.
WIA 27 Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 27/11/2025
- 180,825 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
WIA 27 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 (WIA 27) between November 2023 and November 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 27 November 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
WIA 27 Mileage History
- 06/11/2023173,778 mi
- 08/11/2023173,796 mi+18 mi
- 24/10/2024177,058 mi+3,262 mi
- 24/11/2025180,187 mi+3,129 mi
- 27/11/2025180,825 mi+638 mi
Average of roughly 3,422 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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.
Vehicle & Plate History
Previous plates for this vehicle
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (WIA2 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as WIA27.
PORSCHE
MACAN 4 ELECTRIC
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE 250 D 4MATIC AMG LINE AUTO
MERCEDES-BENZ
G 400 AMG LINE PREM + D 4M A
BMW
116D M SPORT AUTO
SUZUKI
GSF 1250 SA K9
FORD
ESCORT
VOLKSWAGEN
PASSAT SEL TDI S-A
BMW
118I M SPORT
AUDI
Q2
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF S TDI
MERCEDES-BENZ
190 E
MERCEDES-BENZ
SLK
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.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.