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P121 PSX

1997 BMW Z3

Blue Petrol 1895cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires23 Oct 2020
Tests29 (12 pass, 17 fail)
Pass rate41.4%

Mileage

122,523 mi
Last recorded122,523 miles
Recorded on2 Jul 2025
Typical for 1997 BMW Z383,222 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationP121 PSX
MakeBMW
ModelZ3
Year1997
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,895cc

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

12 pass 17 fail
Fail 2 Jul 2025 122,523 miles

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))

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective (7.1.2 (e))

Nearside Rear Integral body structure inadequately repaired such that structural rigidity is significantly reduced sill and inner arch area (6.1.1 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre fouling a part of the vehicle Wheel arch liner fouling tyre (5.2.3 (f))

Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective (7.1.2 (e))

Offside Rear Integral body structure inadequately repaired such that structural rigidity is significantly reduced sill and inner arch area (6.1.1 (d) (i))

Steering wheel has excessive movement up and down (2.2.2 (a))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint likely to become detached Nut Loose (5.3.4 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Macpherson strut attachment bracket/mounting insecure and impairing directional stability Not Attached (5.3.3 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture Catching on driveshaft (1.1.11 (a)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Outer Brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture Rubbing on metal bracket (1.1.11 (a)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Sub-frame attachment bracket/mounting likely to become detached Nut Loose on lower subframe mount (5.3.3 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (i))

Horn sounds when turning the steering wheel

Nearside Brake pipe inadequately clipped or supported Front to Rear (1.1.11 (d) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pipe inadequately clipped or supported (1.1.11 (d) (i))

Nearside Front Side repeater insecure (4.4.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly twisted Not seated in correct clips (1.1.12 (b) (i))

Offside Front Side repeater insecure (4.4.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly chafed Rubbing on chassis (1.1.12 (b) (i))

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

Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working Boot Light (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security Sills and Subframes (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Fail 11 Feb 2025 127,954 miles

Emissions unable to be completed (8.2.1.2 (d))

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases engine running rough (6.1.2 (a))

Front Headlamp insecure both (4.1.1 (c))

Headlamp not working on dipped beam both (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers insecurely attached detached from vehicle, steering adversely affected. (5.3.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Cab or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a cab mounting sill (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure inadequately repaired such that structural rigidity is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (d) (i))

Offside Front Cab or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a cab mounting sill (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure inadequately repaired such that structural rigidity is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (d) (i))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar has an unsafe modification poor welding (5.3.3 (c) (i))

Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))

Nearside Front Power steering component insecure and steering adversely affected shocker not attached to chassis (2.1.5 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture resting on rear drive shaft, chaffing brake flexi (1.1.11 (a)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint likely to become detached bolt not set through nut (5.3.4 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar ball joint likely to become detached (5.3.4 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture brake line passes through rear coil spring (1.1.11 (a)) DANGEROUS

Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened all (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Cab or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security sills and subframes (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Central Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped or supported secured with self tapping screw, chaffing brake line (1.1.11 (d) (i))

Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement and rear (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Fail 17 Dec 2021 127,873 miles

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))

Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

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

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced floor (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Rear Brake modification unsafe calliper retaining clip missing (1.1.21 (d) (i))

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced floor (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))

Nearside Rear Parking (secondary brake) on a single line braking system has no recorded effort at a wheel (1.3.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Parking (secondary brake) on a single line braking system has no recorded effort at a wheel (1.3.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

both side skirts loose

Fail 21 Sep 2021 127,840 miles

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))

Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Nearside Bonnet primary retaining device ineffective (3.1 (c))

Nearside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Offside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))

Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 24 Oct 2019 127,758 miles

Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

undersealed heavy

Pass 19 Oct 2018 126,067 miles

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

Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security sills and floor (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Fail 13 Sep 2018 126,025 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength axle mount bracket (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Sound deadening material insecure under bonnet (8.1.1 (b) (i))

Bonnet landing panel damaged

arch trim coming loose

exhaust patched

external steering lock

nearside parking brake efficiency marginal

oil leak

plastic sill covers

prevent further corrosion of rear suspension / cross member etc

Pass 13 Oct 2017 125,352 miles

Edge of nearside rear jack point hole beginning to enlarge with corrosion

External steering lock supplied

Nearside parking brake efficiency marginal

Fail 16 Aug 2017 125,331 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded sill (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded sill (5.2.6)

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm corroded and seriously weakened hole corroded (2.4.G.1)

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

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded sill (5.2.6)

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

Steering lock fails to engage (2.1.4b)

Pass 4 Jun 2016 124,932 miles

Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement both sides wishbone bushes (2.4.G.2)

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

oil leak

sills slight corrosion

steering rack inner joints slight play

Fail 3 Jun 2016 124,931 miles

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

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement both sides wishbone bushes (2.4.G.2)

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

oil leak

sills slight corrosion

steering rack inner joints slight play

Fail 20 May 2016 124,843 miles

Brake pipe excessively corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

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

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

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

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush rear bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.6.1)

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded outer sill (5.2.6)

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded outer sill (5.2.6)

Pass 3 Jun 2015 121,606 miles
Fail 2 Jun 2015 121,593 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

Nearside rear brake excessively fluctuating (3.7.B.3)

Coolant leak

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Pass 24 Apr 2014 117,943 miles

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

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

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

Offside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Pass 18 May 2013 116,093 miles
Fail 9 May 2013 116,093 miles

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

Nearside Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

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

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Fail 9 Oct 2012 115,921 miles

Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Front Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Brake back plate(s) securing device excessively deteriorated (3.5.1j)

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

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

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

Nearside Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Coolant leak

Fuel pipe/s corroded

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

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

Oil leak

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) slightly corroded (2.3.2)

offside front backplate corroded

Pass 12 Oct 2011 112,876 miles

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

Fail 5 Oct 2011 112,876 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)

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

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

Pass 7 Sep 2010 108,221 miles
Fail 1 Sep 2010 108,221 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

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

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

Pass 15 Jul 2009 101,707 miles
Fail 13 Jul 2009 101,707 miles

Nearside Rear Parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only (3.1.2)

Offside Front coil spring incomplete (2.4.C.1a)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

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

Pass 9 May 2008 96,041 miles
Fail 8 May 2008 96,041 miles

Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Fail 22 Mar 2008 96,022 miles

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

Front Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Coolant leak

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Offside Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1b)

Pass 21 Feb 2007 88,499 miles

advise front flexi hoses s/cracks

advise rear exhaust silencer small holes

Fail 8 Dec 2006 88,447 miles

Front registration plate insecure (6.3.1b)

Nearside Front Bonded suspension unit deteriorated and cannot function as intended (2.4.F.3)

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

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

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nail in offside front tyre

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

rear brake pipes corrodding

tyre size 225/50/16v

How Reliable is the BMW Z3?

Based on 498,063 MOT tests across 26,000 vehicles.

73.2%
Pass Rate
2,128
Miles/Year
29
Year Lifespan
26,000
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Brake pipe excessively corroded 17,103
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 15,600
Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint 10,064
position lamp(s) not working 9,305
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive 7,992
Full BMW Z3 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

P121 PSX is a 1997 BMW Z3 in Blue with a 1,895cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 29 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 41.4%.

Across all 1997 BMW Z3 models, the average MOT pass rate is 70.6% with a typical mileage of 83,222 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 Z3 fails its MOT is brake pipe excessively corroded, accounting for 17,103 recorded failures. If you're considering buying P121 PSX, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The BMW Z3 typically stays on UK roads for around 29 years. At 29 years old, this BMW Z3 is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of P121 PSX?

You can check the full history of P121 PSX by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P121 PSX registered?

P121 PSX is a 1997 BMW Z3, first registered on 16 April 1997.

Is P121 PSX safe to buy?

The MOT history for P121 PSX shows 29 tests with a 41.4% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P121 PSX 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 P121 PSX. 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.