2001 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · X252 DMG
2001 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 04 Jan 2001. Recorded mileage 127,421 miles. MOT expired on 03 Jul 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Export Allocation
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 03 Jul 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 127,421 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.5L
- 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.
X252 DMG Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 05/07/2025
- 127,421 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
X252 DMG 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 (X252 DMG) between February 2022 and July 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 05 July 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (8 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Steering (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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 Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Rear Brake pipe leaking on a hydraulic braking system (1.1.11 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Rear Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.
X252 DMG Mileage History
- 14/02/2022126,957 mi
- 17/03/2022126,988 mi+31 mi
- 01/07/2023127,317 mi+329 mi
- 04/07/2025159,196 mi+31,879 mi
- 05/07/2025127,421 mi-31,775 mi
Average of roughly 137 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: Poor
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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