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N290 BAU

1996 BMW Alpina

Black Petrol 3152cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires8 Jun 2026
Tests16 (13 pass, 3 fail)
Pass rate81.3%

Mileage

135,791 mi
Last recorded135,791 miles
Recorded on9 Jun 2025
Typical for 1996 BMW Alpina115,699 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this BMW
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationN290 BAU
MakeBMW
ModelAlpina
Year1996
ColourBlack
Fuel typePetrol
Engine3,152cc

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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

13 pass 3 fail
Pass 9 Jun 2025 135,791 miles
Pass 15 Feb 2022 134,265 miles

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

Power steering pump has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Pass 6 Apr 2020 133,399 miles

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

Undertrays fitted

Pass 25 Jun 2018 132,124 miles

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

Hydraulic leak, but not excessive gearbox oil pan damp (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Power steering pipe/hose slightly corroded metal pipes around steering rack (2.1.5 (g) (i))

Pass 11 May 2017 131,209 miles
Pass 30 Aug 2014 129,567 miles

Prop-shaft universal joint worn

rear wheelarches corroded

Fail 26 Aug 2014 129,567 miles

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

Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

rear wheelarches corroded

Prop-shaft universal joint worn

Pass 9 Aug 2013 126,712 miles

front to rear brake pipes corroded

rear brake pipes corroded

Pass 18 Aug 2012 121,889 miles
Fail 10 Sep 2011 121,886 miles

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Pass 14 Apr 2010 115,335 miles
Fail 13 Apr 2010 115,318 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.D.4)

Fuel pipe/s corroded

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 7 May 2009 109,700 miles

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Pass 14 Aug 2008 108,686 miles
Pass 16 Aug 2007 92,275 miles
Pass 29 Jul 2005 69,498 miles

How Reliable is the BMW Alpina?

Based on 29,169 MOT tests across 2,395 vehicles.

82.0%
Pass Rate
4,292
Miles/Year
31
Year Lifespan
2,395
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 568
Tyre has ply or cords exposed 270
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 269
Brake pipe excessively corroded 254
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 226
Full BMW Alpina reliability report

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N290 BAU is a 1996 BMW Alpina in Black with a 3,152cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 16 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 81.3%.

Across all 1996 BMW Alpina models, the average MOT pass rate is 78.6% with a typical mileage of 115,699 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

The most common reason a BMW Alpina fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 568 recorded failures. If you're considering buying N290 BAU, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The BMW Alpina typically stays on UK roads for around 31 years. At 30 years old, this BMW Alpina is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of N290 BAU?

You can check the full history of N290 BAU by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was N290 BAU registered?

N290 BAU is a 1996 BMW Alpina, first registered on 16 August 1996.

Is N290 BAU safe to buy?

The MOT history for N290 BAU shows 16 tests with a 81.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does N290 BAU 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 N290 BAU. 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.