2001 BMW 3 Series 2.2L Petrol · X198 ACL
2001 BMW 3 Series (2.2L, petrol). First registered 26 Jan 2001. Recorded mileage 171,949 miles. MOT valid until 27 Mar 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Export Allocation
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 27 Mar 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 171,949 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.2L
- 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.
X198 ACL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 27/03/2026
- 171,949 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
X198 ACL 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 (X198 ACL) between March 2023 and March 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 27 March 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Windscreen (6 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 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 Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.
X198 ACL Mileage History
- 28/03/2023160,657 mi
- 26/03/2024164,315 mi+3,658 mi
- 26/03/2025167,841 mi+3,526 mi
- 26/03/2025167,841 mi
- 27/03/2026171,949 mi+4,108 mi
Average of roughly 3,767 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While this BMW 3 Series is a classic driving machine, its MOT history reveals a pattern of neglected maintenance, recurring oil leaks, and significant suspension and braking issues.
If you are looking for a reliable daily driver, this may not be the vehicle for you without a significant budget for repairs. Focus your negotiation on the cumulative cost of addressing the current advisories, specifically the oil leaks and the nearing-limit tyres. Ask for a detailed service history to see if the recurring oil leaks have been professionally addressed or merely monitored.
Check the underside of the engine and transmission thoroughly. The MOT history shows a persistent 'oil leak, but not excessive' advisory appearing consistently since at least 2023. You should also verify if the brake pipe corrosion noted in 2025 has been fully remediated, as brake system integrity is critical on a vehicle of this age.
As a 2.2L petrol model from the early 2000s, expect relatively high fuel consumption compared to modern equivalents. Tax and insurance will vary depending on your specific profile, but the age and engine size suggest a moderate insurance group.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the age of the vehicle and the premium parts required for a BMW. Given the history of suspension bush failures and brake component issues, you should budget for regular replacement of consumables like tyres, pads, and bushes. Estimated annual running costs are approximately £1,400-£1,800, depending heavily on mileage and repair frequency.
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system. The MOT history shows a recurring theme of issues with anti-roll bar linkages, trailing arm bushes, and suspension arm pins. Test the car on a bumpy road to listen for knocks or clunks that might indicate the 'light misting' shock absorbers or worn bushes are worsening.
Secondly, inspect the braking system. With a history of corroded brake pipes and failed parking brakes, ensure the lines are clean and the handbrake holds firmly on an incline. Finally, check the engine bay for signs of active oil leaks; while the MOT describes them as 'not excessive,' a leak that has persisted for years can lead to more significant component failures if left unmanaged.
This 2001 BMW 3 Series (2.2L Petrol) has covered 171,949 miles, which is substantial for its age. The MOT history shows a vehicle that has struggled with consistent upkeep, evidenced by multiple failures involving tyres, brakes, and suspension components. While it has passed its most recent test, several advisories regarding oil leaks and shock absorber misting suggest ongoing mechanical aging.
While the E46 generation of the 3 Series is generally regarded as robust, individual examples like this one can suffer from age-related degradation of rubber components and seals.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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