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P38 ESA

1997 BMW 840

Red Petrol 4398cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires16 Mar 2026
Tests29 (19 pass, 10 fail)
Pass rate65.5%

Mileage

88,037 mi
Last recorded88,037 miles
Recorded on17 Mar 2025
Typical for 1997 BMW 840100,467 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

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

RegistrationP38 ESA
MakeBMW
Model840
Year1997
ColourRed
Fuel typePetrol
Engine4,398cc

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

19 pass 10 fail
Pass 17 Mar 2025 88,037 miles
Pass 7 Feb 2024 88,035 miles
Pass 9 Feb 2023 87,938 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material All covered in underseal (1.1.11 (c))

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

Pass 22 Feb 2022 87,863 miles

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

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

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

Pass 7 Aug 2020 87,113 miles

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

centre exhaust rusted and slight blow

corrosion to all rear suspension components

fuel tank support straps corroded

play in steering box

Fail 24 Jul 2020 87,113 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension component pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Upper Suspension component pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

centre exhaust rusted and slight blow

corrosion to all rear suspension components

fuel tank support straps corroded

play in steering box

Pass 29 Jul 2019 86,004 miles

Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

all rear suspension arms corroded and bushes perished and slight play in offside and nearside rear upper arms bushes

front anti roll bar corroded and mounting brackets corroded and bushes perished

fuel tank support straps corroded

play in steering box

Pass 17 Aug 2018 84,944 miles

Central Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Mid silencer. (6.1.2 (a))

Rear Oil leak, but not excessive Axle pinion area. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Various rear suspension bushes have signs of wear perishing rusted areas.

Fail 17 Aug 2018 84,944 miles

Nearside Front Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Central Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Mid silencer. (6.1.2 (a))

Rear Oil leak, but not excessive Axle pinion area. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Various rear suspension bushes have signs of wear perishing rusted areas.

Fail 30 Jul 2018 84,943 miles

Front Headlamp levelling device inoperative (4.1.5 (a))

Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Nearside Headlamp aim too low Also has a poor image could be due to being so low? (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases Pipe (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Exhaust silencer likely to become detached (8.1.1 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Front Lower Front bumper lower edge loose.

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread Damaged splits (0.1 (b))

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

Nearside Rear Noise when wheel turned by hand.

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

Rear Oil leak, but not excessive Area diff pinion seal. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Rear suspension bushes are worn/perished/splits various

Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Rear Some noise from parking brake possible something catching.

Pass 16 Aug 2017 83,449 miles

Nearside noise from handbrake in operation

Rear subframe and components corroding, also various bushes on suspension arms deteriorating

Fail 10 Jul 2017 83,443 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

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

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

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

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

Nearside noise from handbrake in operation

Rear subframe and components corroding , also various bushes on suspension arms deteriorating

some exhaust sections becoming corroded

Pass 13 Jul 2016 82,699 miles

Front downpipe exhaust clamp corroded.

Nearside rear wheel bearing has slight free play.

Rear tyres approaching wear bars and have low tread on inner edges.

Suspension components have surface corrosion.

Fail 13 Jul 2016 82,699 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Front downpipe exhaust clamp corroded.

Nearside rear wheel bearing has slight free play.

Rear differential front seal shows signs of leaking.

Rear tyres approaching wear bars and have low tread on inner edges.

Suspension components have surface corrosion.

Pass 29 Jun 2015 81,141 miles

Both rear sill area's have corrosion.

Vehicle's internal headlight adjuster altered to recheck lights

Pass 18 Jul 2014 79,778 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has slight external damage to the casing (2.7.2a)

exhaust system corroding

outer sill seams corroding - sill covers fitted not allowing full inspection

underbody susp; components corroding

Pass 9 Jul 2013 77,722 miles

Exhaust very rusty in places.

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

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

Offside front brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

Oil leak rear diff.

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

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

washer's partly blocked.

Fail 8 Jul 2013 77,722 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Outer Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Exhaust very rusty in places.

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

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

Offside front brake fluctuating, but not excessively (3.7.B.3)

Oil leak rear diff.

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

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

washer's partly blocked.

Pass 28 Jun 2012 75,776 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

underbody components corroding and signs of corrosion on outer sills - plastic covers fitted

Fail 27 Jun 2012 75,776 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

underbody components corroding and signs of corrosion on outer sills - plastic covers fitted

Pass 19 Jul 2011 74,087 miles

Nearside Brake pipe slightly damaged (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

centre exhaust bracket corroded

front and rear suspension arms corroded

n/s/f o/s/f inner sills corroded

Pass 5 Jul 2010 72,694 miles

centre exhaust mount broken

front and rear suspension arms and sub frames corroded

possible wheel bearing noise o/s/r n/s/r

Fail 23 Jun 2010 72,694 miles

Nearside Rear Passenger's seat cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.A.2)

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

Nearside Rear coil spring cracked (2.4.C.1a)

Offside Front Brake hose twisted (found during steering lock to lock check) (2.2.D.2b)

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

Offside Rear coil spring cracked (2.4.C.1a)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

centre exhaust mount broken

front and rear suspension arms and sub frames corroded

possible wheel bearing noise o/s/r n/s/r

Pass 14 Jul 2009 71,426 miles

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

Pass 8 Jul 2008 69,059 miles

Nearside Inner Front Road wheel slightly damaged (4.2.A.1a)

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

Pass 23 Jul 2007 67,490 miles
Fail 5 Jul 2007 67,489 miles

Nearside Outer Steering arm excessively corroded and unserviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Offside Front front brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Offside Outer Steering arm excessively corroded and unserviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Offside front brake juddering severely (3.7.A.2b)

brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

front brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

front to rear fuel pipes very badly corroded

Pass 6 Jul 2006 65,448 miles
Fail 6 Jul 2006 65,448 miles

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

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

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

Nearside Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

How Reliable is the BMW 840?

Based on 28,318 MOT tests across 1,862 vehicles.

74.4%
Pass Rate
1,508
Miles/Year
33
Year Lifespan
1,862
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 937
Headlamp aim too low 780
Brake pipe excessively corroded 741
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 554
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 499
Full BMW 840 reliability report

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P38 ESA is a 1997 BMW 840 in Red with a 4,398cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 29 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 65.5%.

Across all 1997 BMW 840 models, the average MOT pass rate is 75.1% with a typical mileage of 100,467 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 840 fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 937 recorded failures. If you're considering buying P38 ESA, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The BMW 840 typically stays on UK roads for around 33 years. At 29 years old, this BMW 840 is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of P38 ESA?

You can check the full history of P38 ESA by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P38 ESA registered?

P38 ESA is a 1997 BMW 840, first registered on 11 June 1997.

Is P38 ESA safe to buy?

The MOT history for P38 ESA shows 29 tests with a 65.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P38 ESA 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 P38 ESA. 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.