CarVerify

Free Car Check

P68 TGN

1997 BMW 535

Blue Petrol 3498cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires18 Oct 2026
Tests29 (17 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate58.6%

Mileage

228,234 mi
Last recorded228,234 miles
Recorded on10 Oct 2025
Typical for 1997 BMW 535117,977 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this BMW
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £9.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationP68 TGN
MakeBMW
Model535
Year1997
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine3,498cc

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 10 Oct 2025 228,234 miles

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

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Jacking point corroded

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

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

Slight play in main steering arm ball joints

washer jets weak - on limit

Pass 14 Oct 2024 222,508 miles

Offside Side repeater slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

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

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Fail 3 Oct 2024 222,503 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

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

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced jacking point area (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Side repeater incorrect colour (4.4.3 (a))

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

Offside Side repeater slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

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

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Pass 12 Oct 2023 218,191 miles

Nearside Rear Inner sill jacking point area corroded

Nearside Rear Inner sill jacking point area corroded

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Offside Rear Inner sill jacking point area corroded

Offside Rear Nail in tyre ()

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

Fail 12 Oct 2023 218,191 miles

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

Nearside Rear Inner sill jacking point area corroded

Nearside Rear Inner sill jacking point area corroded

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Offside Rear Inner sill jacking point area corroded

Offside Rear Nail in tyre ()

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

Pass 19 Oct 2022 208,279 miles

Both rear inner sills corroded behind sill covers, not within prescribed areas at present

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Fail 12 Oct 2022 208,275 miles

Headlamp levelling device inoperative Front levelling device for xenon headlamps insecure to offside suspension arm (4.1.5 (a))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the right. (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Headlamp aim too high and too far to the right. (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

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

Both rear inner sills corroded behind sill covers, not within prescribed areas at present

Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Pass 7 Oct 2021 202,169 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Jacking points (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Park brake lazy on application

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Jacking points (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

boot floor hole

Pass 3 Oct 2020 198,586 miles
Fail 26 Sep 2020 195,546 miles

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

Nearside Rear Road wheel fractured (5.2.2 (a)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Pass 9 Apr 2019 190,802 miles

Coolant leak ()

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

Nearside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Pass 29 Mar 2018 189,417 miles

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

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

Fail 14 Mar 2018 189,417 miles

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

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

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe leaking (3.6.A.1)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

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

Pass 23 Mar 2017 186,391 miles

Brake pipe slightly corroded Front to rear by fuel tank (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Outer Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Pass 10 Sep 2015 185,547 miles

Suspension levelling arm broken

Blue tint headlamps

Coolant leak

Cover fitted

Pass 2 Sep 2013 176,966 miles
Fail 29 Aug 2013 176,966 miles

Driver's airbag obviously defective (5.4.1)

Offside Front Direction indicators not working (1.4.A.2c)

Pass 8 Aug 2011 174,729 miles

Nearside Rear Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Front Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

Suspension joint nearside lower dust cover split/missing

Suspension joint offside lower dust cover split/missing

Fail 8 Aug 2011 174,729 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 Rear Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Front Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

Suspension joint nearside lower dust cover split/missing

Suspension joint offside lower dust cover split/missing

Pass 13 Aug 2010 171,323 miles

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

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

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

Rear Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

irrattic reading on emissions on mot test

Fail 4 Aug 2010 171,252 miles

Emissions not tested (7.0)

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

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

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

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

Rear Shock absorber has a slightly reduced damping effect (2.7.5)

Pass 27 Aug 2009 162,520 miles

Both rear tyres wearing on the inner edges

Fail 26 Aug 2009 162,490 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)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Both rear tyres wearing on the inner edges

Pass 3 Jul 2008 160,754 miles
Fail 30 Jun 2008 160,680 miles

Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

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

Pass 16 Jul 2007 152,401 miles
Fail 16 Jul 2007 152,401 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Pass 13 Jul 2006 140,930 miles
Fail 6 Jul 2006 140,920 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high when the centre of the headlamp is below 850mm from the ground (1.6.B2)

Nearside Rear Sub-frame cracked (2.4.G.1)

Nearside Rear Upper Tie bar/rod has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Headlamp aim too high when the centre of the headlamp is below 850mm from the ground (1.6.B2)

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

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

Offside Rear Upper Tie bar/rod has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

How Reliable is the BMW 535?

Based on 216,162 MOT tests across 18,035 vehicles.

78.7%
Pass Rate
7,094
Miles/Year
38
Year Lifespan
18,035
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 6,346
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 4,237
Tyre has ply or cords exposed 2,669
Brake pipe excessively corroded 2,608
Track rod end ball joint has excessive play 2,438
Full BMW 535 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

P68 TGN is a 1997 BMW 535 in Blue with a 3,498cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 29 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 58.6%.

Across all 1997 BMW 535 models, the average MOT pass rate is 69.4% with a typical mileage of 117,977 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 535 fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 6,346 recorded failures. If you're considering buying P68 TGN, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The BMW 535 typically stays on UK roads for around 38 years. At 29 years old, this BMW 535 is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of P68 TGN?

You can check the full history of P68 TGN by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P68 TGN registered?

P68 TGN is a 1997 BMW 535, first registered on 24 January 1997.

Is P68 TGN safe to buy?

The MOT history for P68 TGN 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 P68 TGN 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 P68 TGN. 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.