2005 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · YE55 YMD
2005 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Dec 2005. Recorded mileage 124,051 miles. MOT expired on 29 Jun 2026. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Leeds
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 29 Jun 2026
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 124,051 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.
YE55 YMD Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 01/07/2025
- 124,051 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 17 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
YE55 YMD 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 2005 BMW 3 Series (YE55 YMD) between April 2023 and July 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 01 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 (15 issues), Tyres (9 issues), Bodywork (6 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Suspension (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: “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))”; “Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))”.
YE55 YMD Mileage History
- 26/04/2023116,767 mi
- 21/05/2024120,032 mi+3,265 mi
- 06/08/2024120,032 mi
- 07/08/2024120,036 mi+4 mi
- 01/07/2025124,051 mi+4,015 mi
Average of roughly 3,339 miles per year across 5 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: 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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- 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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