2001 BMW 3 Series 2.2L Petrol · Y548 CAH
2001 BMW 3 Series (2.2L, petrol). First registered 27 Apr 2001. Recorded mileage 98,310 miles. MOT valid until 21 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 Aug 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Leeds
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 21 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Aug 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 98,310 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.
Y548 CAH Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 23/07/2026
- 98,310 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
Y548 CAH MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 BMW 3 Series (Y548 CAH) between February 2024 and July 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 23 July 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: Brakes (13 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 16 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: “Brake performance unable to be tested offside front spring broken touching tyre (1.2.1 (g))”; “Nearside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced wet inside (4.1.4 (b))”; “Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced under plastic side skirts”.
Y548 CAH Mileage History
- 21/02/202485,453 mi
- 11/04/202485,454 mi+1 mi
- 23/07/202588,287 mi+2,833 mi
- 23/07/202698,310 mi+10,023 mi
Average of roughly 5,320 miles per year across 4 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: Good
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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