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S550 ATO

1998 BMW Z3

Blue Petrol 1895cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires13 Aug 2026
Tests32 (20 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate62.5%

Mileage

119,498 mi
Last recorded119,498 miles
Recorded on14 Aug 2025
Typical for 1998 BMW Z376,857 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this BMW
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationS550 ATO
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

20 pass 12 fail
Pass 14 Aug 2025 119,498 miles

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

Fail 31 Jul 2025 119,497 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

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

Pass 1 Aug 2024 101,942 miles
Fail 9 Jul 2024 101,923 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))

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases Middle and rear sections (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

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

Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

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

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

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Both outer sill covers (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 3 Jul 2023 87,979 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 22 Jun 2023 87,979 miles

Emissions unable to be completed due to over heating (8.2.1.2 (d))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

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

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

Offside Rear Direction indicator lens defective such that the emitted light is adversely affected (4.4.1 (b) (ii))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 30 Jun 2022 82,175 miles

Central Stop lamp(s) with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.3.1 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area damaged but not considered excessive sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

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

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area damaged but not considered excessive sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Pass 29 Jun 2021 75,229 miles

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced both outer sills at rear (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Stop lamp(s) light intensity obviously reduced (4.3.3 (a) (i))

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

Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing All four tyres (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 9 Jul 2020 70,029 miles

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

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

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

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Both outer sills at rear (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 7 Jul 2020 70,028 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))

Driver's seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. (6.2.5 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Both outer sills at rear (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 3 Jun 2019 66,775 miles

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

Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive both rear outer sills (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both front arm rear bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Fail 1 May 2019 66,491 miles

Emissions not tested (8.2.1.2 (d))

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

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

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

Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both front arm rear bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Pass 30 Apr 2018 61,879 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Rear box. (7.1.2)

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

Fail 12 Apr 2018 61,850 miles

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)

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

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

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

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

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Rear box. (7.1.2)

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

Pass 18 Apr 2017 60,222 miles
Fail 7 Apr 2017 60,217 miles

Rear Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure both (4.1.D.1b)

front brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

Pass 4 Apr 2016 59,998 miles

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

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

brake pipes heavily greased

front suspension components corroding

rear tyres perishing

Fail 24 Feb 2016 59,977 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (3.4.1c)

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

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

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

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

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

brake pipes heavily greased

nearside front and offside rear tyres perishing

Pass 2 Mar 2015 59,870 miles

both front tyres outer walls splitting and perrishing

Pass 18 Feb 2014 57,375 miles
Fail 7 Feb 2014 57,373 miles

Driver's airbag obviously defective (5.4.1)

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

rear parking (secondary) brakes imbalanced (3.7.B.6b)

Pass 13 Mar 2013 57,162 miles

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

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

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

front and rear tyres perishing

petrol tank straps corroding

Fail 12 Mar 2012 56,845 miles

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

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

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

fuel tank strap corroding

nearside rear tyre perishing

Pass 12 Mar 2012 56,845 miles

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

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

fuel tank strap corroding

nearside rear tyre perishing

Pass 15 Mar 2011 56,334 miles

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

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

rear brake pipes heavily greased

Fail 10 Mar 2011 56,333 miles

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

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

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)

rear brake pipes heavily greased

Pass 2 Mar 2010 55,899 miles

rear brake pipes heavily greased

Pass 5 Mar 2009 55,019 miles

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

rear springs corroding

Fail 11 Mar 2008 54,445 miles

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

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

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

Pass 11 Mar 2008 54,445 miles

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

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

Pass 20 Mar 2007 52,075 miles

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

Pass 24 Feb 2006 47,072 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

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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.

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S550 ATO 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 62.5%.

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 S550 ATO, 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 S550 ATO?

You can check the full history of S550 ATO by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was S550 ATO registered?

S550 ATO is a 1998 BMW Z3, first registered on 20 August 1998.

Is S550 ATO safe to buy?

The MOT history for S550 ATO shows 32 tests with a 62.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does S550 ATO 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 S550 ATO. 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.