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E12 GDW

1990 BMW 3 Series

White Petrol 1796cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires25 Jun 2027
Tests29 (17 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate58.6%

Mileage

206,221 mi
Last recorded206,221 miles
Recorded on26 Jun 2026
Typical for 1990 BMW 3 Series120,696 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this BMW
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationE12 GDW
MakeBMW
Model3 Series
Year1990
ColourWhite
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,796cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

17 pass 12 fail
Pass 26 Jun 2026 206,221 miles

Nearside Front Inner wing corroded

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 17 Jun 2023 205,571 miles
Fail 16 Jun 2023 205,570 miles

Central Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Sub-frame pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced inner arch (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 29 Apr 2023 205,553 miles

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Sub-frame pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Both front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Inner wheel arch (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 30 Oct 2021 202,156 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Exhaust mounting defective Middle and rear (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside front inner wing corroded

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 26 Oct 2021 202,154 miles

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Exhaust mounting defective Middle and rear (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Offside Rear Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Offside front inner wing corroded

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 27 Oct 2020 191,208 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge both rear inner edge (5.2.3 (e))

Fail 26 Oct 2020 191,208 miles

Nearside Front Tyre has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge both rear inner edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 27 Apr 2019 175,610 miles

offside front inner arch corroded

rear back panel corroded

Fail 22 Mar 2019 175,610 miles

Nearside Side repeater light intensity significantly reduced (4.4.3 (a))

Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced nearside front floor to sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced nearside rear inner wheel arch (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced offside rear inner wheel arch (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced offside rear outer sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

offside front inner arch corroded

rear back panel corroded

Pass 15 Mar 2018 173,349 miles
Fail 14 Mar 2018 173,347 miles

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Front Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release seat belt buckle (5.2.5a)

Nearside Steering rack gaiter insecure (2.2.D.2d)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Fuel system component leaking under bonnet (7.2.3) DANGEROUS

Pass 30 Jan 2017 171,028 miles

Offside Obligatory mirror damaged, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Fail 25 Jan 2017 171,026 miles

Front position lamp(s) not working both (1.1.A.3b)

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded offside front floor (2.4.A.3)

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded offside front inner wing (2.4.A.3)

Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching by more than 10mm within zone 'A' (8.3.1b)

Offside Obligatory mirror damaged, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive nearside front inner wing (2.4.A.3)

low brake pad warning light on

low brake pad warning light on

Pass 27 Jan 2016 165,567 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit and offside rear (4.1.E.1)

Rear exhaust corroded

Wipers do not park properly

Fail 20 Jan 2016 165,532 miles

Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a)

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (3.7.B.5b)

Rear rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

Rear rear brakes release unevenly (3.7.B.4)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit and offside rear (4.1.E.1)

Rear exhaust corroded

Wipers do not park properly

Pass 19 Nov 2014 161,325 miles

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Fail 15 Nov 2014 161,325 miles

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.6.1)

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Pass 19 Nov 2013 155,718 miles

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Drive shaft which forms part of the suspension coupling gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.4e)

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Offside Rear Drive shaft which forms part of the suspension coupling gaiter damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.4e)

Offside Rear Drive shaft which forms part of the suspension coupling gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.4e)

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Fail 7 Nov 2013 155,718 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the right. (1.8)

Nearside Rear Drive shaft which forms part of the suspension coupling gaiter damaged to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc (2.4.G.4e)

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the right. (1.8)

Offside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Rear Drive shaft which forms part of the suspension coupling gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.4e)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Offside Rear Drive shaft which forms part of the suspension coupling gaiter damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.4e)

Offside Rear Drive shaft which forms part of the suspension coupling gaiter deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.4e)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Pass 10 Sep 2012 154,287 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

front jacking points corroded

slight play in steering rack o/s

Pass 1 Sep 2011 152,813 miles

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Fail 25 Aug 2011 152,795 miles

Front Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Pass 2 Sep 2010 151,861 miles

Nearside Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

n/s/f wheel bearing slightly rough

Pass 24 Aug 2009 150,313 miles
Fail 21 Aug 2009 150,312 miles

Nearside Front coil spring fractured (2.4.C.1a)

Offside Rear An item not tested (Manual)

Offside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2) DANGEROUS

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

both outer sills slightly corroded

Pass 1 Sep 2008 148,773 miles

Fuel pipe/s corroded

both outer sills slightly corroded

Pass 28 Aug 2007 146,870 miles

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

o/s/r brake binding slightly,injector fuel pipe damp,rear of both outer sills getting rusty

Pass 8 Sep 2006 143,612 miles

Front Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

How Reliable is the BMW 3 Series?

Based on 12,840,406 MOT tests across 1,004,285 vehicles.

75.1%
Pass Rate
6,672
Miles/Year
37
Year Lifespan
1,004,285
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 485,475
Brake pipe excessively corroded 323,327
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 253,205
Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint 185,099
Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick 182,360
Full BMW 3 Series reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

E12 GDW is a 1990 BMW 3 Series in White with a 1,796cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 29 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 58.6%.

Across all 1990 BMW 3 Series models, the average MOT pass rate is 69.0% with a typical mileage of 120,696 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a BMW 3 Series fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 485,475 recorded failures. If you're considering buying E12 GDW, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The BMW 3 Series typically stays on UK roads for around 37 years. At 36 years old, this BMW 3 Series is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of E12 GDW?

You can check the full history of E12 GDW by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was E12 GDW registered?

E12 GDW is a 1990 BMW 3 Series, first registered on 17 January 1990.

Is E12 GDW safe to buy?

The MOT history for E12 GDW shows 29 tests with a 58.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does E12 GDW have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on E12 GDW. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.