CarVerify

Free Car Check

R279 SER

1998 BMW Z3

Blue Petrol 1895cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires11 Feb 2027
Tests32 (18 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate56.3%

Mileage

142,505 mi
Last recorded142,505 miles
Recorded on11 Feb 2026
Typical for 1998 BMW Z376,857 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

RegistrationR279 SER
MakeBMW
ModelZ3
Year1998
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

18 pass 14 fail
Pass 11 Feb 2026 142,505 miles

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

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

Offside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (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))

Rear Coil spring corroded Both (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear Suspension component corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 11 Feb 2026 142,504 miles

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

Offside Windscreen washer jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen (3.5 (a))

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

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

Offside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

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))

Rear Coil spring corroded Both (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Rear Suspension component corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 12 Feb 2025 141,316 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Lower Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security Sill area (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Rear Lower Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security Sill area (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Rear Suspension component corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 4 Feb 2025 141,314 miles

Brake performance unable to be tested (1.2.1 (g))

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

Headlamp lens seriously defective Both (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Hydraulic brake calliper insecurely mounted (1.1.16 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Power steering malfunctioning (2.1.5 (a))

Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Rear fog lamp switch inoperative (4.5.3 (a))

Nearside Rear Brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Nearside Front Lower Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security Sill area (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Rear Lower Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security Sill area (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Rear Suspension component corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 6 Feb 2024 138,303 miles

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

Headlamp lens slightly defective Both (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

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

Suspension component corroded but not seriously weakened Front and rear areas (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 6 Feb 2024 138,301 miles

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

Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

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

Headlamp lens slightly defective Both (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

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

Suspension component corroded but not seriously weakened Front and rear areas (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 26 Jan 2023 137,979 miles

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

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

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

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

Fail 23 Jan 2023 137,978 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 19 Jan 2022 137,834 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 17 Jan 2022 137,834 miles

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

Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Front Power steering inoperative (2.1.5 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has negligible damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Offside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has negligible damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Rear fog lamp switch not operating in accordance with the requirements (4.5.3 (a))

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Obligatory mirror slightly loose (3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Pass 21 Jan 2021 136,205 miles

Rear Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Fail 19 Jan 2021 136,202 miles

Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an induction leak (8.2.1.1 (b))

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

Front Headlamp light intensity severely reduced (4.1.4 (a))

Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Hazard warning switch inoperative (4.4.2 (a) (ii))

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

Rear Brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Rear Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii)) DANGEROUS

Rear Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Rear Brake lining(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Pass 31 Jul 2019 136,046 miles

Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened front and rear (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fuel Pipe/s corroded and brake pipe ()

Rear Coil spring corroded Both side (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion

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

Fail 30 Jul 2019 136,046 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 default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

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

Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

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

Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened front and rear (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fuel Pipe/s corroded and brake pipe ()

Rear Coil spring corroded Both side (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp does not illuminate (7.1.6 (a))

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion

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

Pass 11 Oct 2016 131,966 miles
Fail 10 Oct 2016 131,966 miles

Driver's seat insecure (6.2.A.1)

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 21 Oct 2015 125,406 miles

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

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

Fail 20 Oct 2015 125,404 miles

Driver's seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. (6.2.A.3)

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

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (1.7.5a)

Offside Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

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

Offside Front suspension has excessive movement at a wishbone pin or bush (2.5.A.1c)

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (1.7.5a)

Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault (5.4.2)

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

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

Pass 4 Oct 2014 118,799 miles

Both Front headlights deteriorated

Both Rear Tyres Wearing Close to Limit

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

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

Under Body Rust

Fail 2 Sep 2014 118,796 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

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

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

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

Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault (5.4.2)

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

Nearside Front Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

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

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

Offside Front Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

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

Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

under body rust

Fail 10 Jul 2014 118,775 miles

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

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

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

Offside Headlamp insecure (1.7.3)

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

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

Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault (5.4.2)

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

Nearside Rear 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 Rear 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 Jan 2013 107,528 miles
Pass 26 Jan 2012 104,356 miles

Air bag light on

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

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

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

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

both rear tyres perished & treads getting low

fuel filler cap seal perishing

n/s/f tyre wearing on inner edge

Fail 25 Jan 2012 104,356 miles

Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

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

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

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

Air bag light on

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

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

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

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

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

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

both rear tyres perished & treads getting low

fuel filler cap seal perishing

n/s/f tyre wearing on inner edge

Pass 11 Aug 2010 89,368 miles

Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

front brake juddering slightly (3.7.A.2b)

offside and nearside front discs worn

Fail 11 Aug 2010 89,368 miles

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

Nearside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

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

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

Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

front brake juddering slightly (3.7.A.2b)

offside and nearside front discs worn

offside and nearside rear discs corroded

Pass 4 Aug 2009 79,822 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Fail 28 Jul 2009 79,817 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

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

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Pass 21 Jul 2008 75,768 miles
Pass 3 Jul 2007 72,431 miles
Pass 7 Jul 2006 68,917 miles
Pass 21 Apr 2006 67,947 miles

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

R279 SER is a 1998 BMW Z3 in Blue with a 1,895cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 56.3%.

Across all 1998 BMW Z3 models, the average MOT pass rate is 72.1% with a typical mileage of 76,857 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 R279 SER, 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 28 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 R279 SER?

You can check the full history of R279 SER by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R279 SER registered?

R279 SER is a 1998 BMW Z3, first registered on 15 May 1998.

Is R279 SER safe to buy?

The MOT history for R279 SER shows 32 tests with a 56.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R279 SER 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 R279 SER. 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.