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R957 CWL

1998 BMW 535

Blue Petrol 3498cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires12 Jan 2027
Tests31 (21 pass, 10 fail)
Pass rate67.7%

Mileage

165,638 mi
Last recorded165,638 miles
Recorded on13 Dec 2025
Typical for 1998 BMW 535110,452 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this BMW
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Finance
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationR957 CWL
MakeBMW
Model535
Year1998
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

21 pass 10 fail
Pass 13 Dec 2025 165,638 miles

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

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

Offside Front Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Rear Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive both inner & outer sills (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

Pass 20 Dec 2024 164,970 miles

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

Pass 13 Jan 2024 164,278 miles

Offside Rear Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive jack point to inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material both front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Pass 24 Nov 2022 163,439 miles

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

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated both sides (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

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

Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil both sides (5.3.2 (b))

Pass 10 Dec 2021 162,088 miles

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced inner and outer sill and floor area both sides (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated front (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

Fail 1 Dec 2021 162,079 miles

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Outer Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced sill corroded (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))

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

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

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced inner and outer sill and floor area both sides (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated front (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

Pass 1 Dec 2020 159,246 miles

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension rod ball joint has slight play also rubber split (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside steering idler has slight play

Offside Rear Other passenger door catch deteriorated so the door cannot be readily opened or closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension rod ball joint has slight play also rubber boot split (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge also has cracking to tread (5.2.3 (e))

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

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

Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect both sides (5.3.2 (b))

Fail 1 Dec 2020 159,246 miles

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

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension rod ball joint has slight play also rubber split (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside steering idler has slight play

Offside Rear Other passenger door catch deteriorated so the door cannot be readily opened or closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension rod ball joint has slight play also rubber boot split (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge also has cracking to tread (5.2.3 (e))

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

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

Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect both sides (5.3.2 (b))

Pass 3 Dec 2019 156,942 miles

Offside Rear Upper Suspension rod ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Pass 7 Dec 2018 154,014 miles

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

Front Suspension rod pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both sides (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced sill jacking points both sides (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

fuel pipes corroded

undertrays fitted obscuring components

Fail 3 Dec 2018 154,014 miles

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

Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced inner and outer sills and jacking points collapsing both sides (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

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

Front Suspension rod pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both sides (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Front Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced sill jacking points both sides (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Service brake fluctuating, but not excessively (1.2.1 (e))

fuel pipes corroded

undertrays fitted obscuring components

Pass 1 Dec 2017 151,219 miles

under trays and sill covers fitted obscuring testable components

Fuel pipe slightly damaged slight corrosion (7.2.2)

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

Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive both sides (5.2.6)

rear brake fluctuating, but not excessively both sides (3.7.B.3)

Pass 1 Dec 2016 148,021 miles

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

sill covers fitted,unable to check

undertrays fitted obscuring components

Pass 3 Dec 2015 143,634 miles

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

under trays/covers fitted obscuring components

Fail 2 Dec 2015 143,634 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 27 Nov 2014 140,361 miles

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Fail 27 Nov 2014 140,361 miles

Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)

Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 26 Nov 2013 137,091 miles

plastic sill covers fitted

Pass 28 Nov 2012 134,636 miles
Fail 27 Nov 2012 134,636 miles

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

airbag warning light lit

Pass 6 Dec 2011 132,216 miles
Pass 9 Dec 2010 129,848 miles

Nail in nearside rear tyre

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

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

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

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

Fail 8 Dec 2010 129,848 miles

Nearside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Rear Direction indicators not working (1.4.A.2c)

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

Nail in nearside rear tyre

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

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

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

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

Pass 25 Nov 2009 126,407 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

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

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

Pass 16 Dec 2008 123,685 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

no o/s/r door handle

Fail 12 Dec 2008 123,685 miles

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

Nearside Rear Parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.D.3a)

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

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

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

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

no o/s/r door handle

Pass 6 Dec 2007 119,955 miles

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

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Fail 5 Dec 2007 119,955 miles

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

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

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Offside Rear Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Pass 19 Dec 2006 115,091 miles
Pass 21 Dec 2005 110,147 miles
Fail 19 Dec 2005 110,081 miles

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

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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

R957 CWL is a 1998 BMW 535 in Blue with a 3,498cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 67.7%.

Across all 1998 BMW 535 models, the average MOT pass rate is 69.6% with a typical mileage of 110,452 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 R957 CWL, 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 28 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 R957 CWL?

You can check the full history of R957 CWL by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R957 CWL registered?

R957 CWL is a 1998 BMW 535, first registered on 16 February 1998.

Is R957 CWL safe to buy?

The MOT history for R957 CWL shows 31 tests with a 67.7% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R957 CWL 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 R957 CWL. 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.