CarVerify
CarVerify
Sign in Check a vehicle

Free Car Check

WKP 254

1997 BMW 840

Silver Petrol 4398cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires8 Feb 2027
Tests33 (21 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate63.6%

Mileage

62,338 mi
Last recorded62,338 miles
Recorded on9 Feb 2026
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
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

RegistrationWKP 254
MakeBMW
Model840
Year1997
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine4,398cc
View full BMW 840 reliability data Browse other 1997 BMW 840 registrations

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 12 fail
Pass 9 Feb 2026 62,338 miles

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

Fuel Pipe/s corroded front to rear ()

Nearside Rear Position lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.2.1 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Vehicle structure is repaired but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced sill area (6.1.1 (d) (i))

Nearside fuel tank strap corroded

Offside Vehicle structure is repaired but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced sill area (6.1.1 (d) (i))

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

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

Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened all rear arms corroding (5.3.3 (b) (i))

exhaust corroded front to rear

gearbox sump corroded

side skirts fitted, not allowing full inspection of sills

Fail 27 Jan 2026 62,336 miles

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

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Power steering component fouling exhaust heat shield loose and fouling steering rack when turned (2.1.5 (e) (i))

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

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

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

Fuel Pipe/s corroded front to rear ()

Nearside Rear Position lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.2.1 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Vehicle structure is repaired but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced sill area (6.1.1 (d) (i))

Nearside fuel tank strap corroded

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

Offside Vehicle structure is repaired but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced sill area (6.1.1 (d) (i))

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

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

Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened all rear arms corroding (5.3.3 (b) (i))

exhaust corroded front to rear

gearbox sump corroded

side skirts fitted, not allowing full inspection of sills

Pass 15 Jan 2025 61,553 miles

Exhaust system corroding front to rear

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened All rear arms corroding (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Side skirts fitted to vehicle unable to fully inspect sill areas

Fail 9 Dec 2024 61,551 miles

Nearside Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced Sill area (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced Sill area (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting fractured Saddle bush bracket (5.3.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Exhaust system corroding front to rear

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened All rear arms corroding (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Side skirts fitted to vehicle unable to fully inspect sill areas

Pass 15 Dec 2023 60,930 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive outer sill and inner arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive outer sill and inner arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened all rear arms corroding (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fail 8 Nov 2023 60,929 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn rear arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive outer sill and inner arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive outer sill and inner arch (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Pass 18 Nov 2022 60,359 miles

Drive belt worn, but not excessively (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Exhaust system corroding front to rear

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oil leak, but not excessive Engine and gearbox areas (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened All front suspension arms corroding (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened All rear suspension arms corroding (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 7 Jan 2022 59,573 miles

Drive belt worn, but not excessively (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Exhaust system corroding front to rear

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

Front Inner Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Fuel Pipe/s corroded Front to rear ()

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 8 Jan 2021 58,035 miles

Drive belt worn, but not excessively (6.1.7 (c) (i))

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

Fuel tank slightly loose Support strap corroding (6.1.3 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 14 Dec 2020 57,997 miles

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

Offside Fuel tank insecure Tank strap corroded (6.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Front Outer Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Drive belt worn, but not excessively (6.1.7 (c) (i))

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

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

Nearside Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Nearside Fuel tank slightly loose Tank strap corroding (6.1.3 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 20 Dec 2019 56,673 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

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

Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge worn on edge and cracking (5.2.3 (e))

Fail 17 Dec 2019 56,671 miles

Nearside Front Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting sill/jacking point (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Offside Lower Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

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

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

Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge worn on edge and cracking (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 14 Dec 2018 55,523 miles

All 4 brake discs corroding on inner surface

Both front saddle bushes perishing

Both rear trailing arm bushes perishing slightly

Both rear wheel arches corroding slightly

Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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

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

Oil leak, but not excessive Gear box area (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive Sump pan area (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Fail 3 Dec 2018 55,522 miles

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

Offside Fuel pipe leaking Both front to rear fuel pipes corroded (6.1.3 (b) (i))

All 4 brake discs corroding on inner surface

Both front saddle bushes perishing

Both rear trailing arm bushes perishing slightly

Both rear wheel arches corroding slightly

Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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

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

Oil leak, but not excessive Gear box area (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive Sump pan area (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Pass 6 Dec 2017 54,261 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement front bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

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

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

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Offside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement front bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Rear no. plate tarnished

Unable to inspect sill panels due to sill skirts fitted

exhaust system corroding

Pass 29 Nov 2016 52,523 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

Oil leak ()

Pass 8 Dec 2015 50,523 miles

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

corrosion to brake discs

corrosion to fuel pipes

corrosion to suspension parts

osr brake hose perished

Fail 3 Dec 2015 50,523 miles

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

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

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

corrosion to brake discs

corrosion to fuel pipes

corrosion to suspension parts

osr brake hose perished

Pass 5 Dec 2014 49,155 miles

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Fail 2 Dec 2014 49,154 miles

Front registration plate insecure (6.3.1b)

Nearside Front Brake hose excessively damaged (3.6.B.4d)

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

Offside Front Brake hose excessively damaged (3.6.B.4d)

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

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

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

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Pass 27 Nov 2013 47,675 miles

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Pass 19 Nov 2012 46,649 miles

Front bumper insecure

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Fail 22 Nov 2011 45,508 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Pass 22 Nov 2011 45,508 miles
Pass 17 Nov 2010 44,020 miles
Pass 25 Nov 2009 42,589 miles

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Fail 18 Nov 2009 42,589 miles

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

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Pass 5 Nov 2008 41,048 miles
Fail 4 Nov 2008 41,048 miles

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Front Front position lamp(s) not in good working order (function impaired) (1.1.4a)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 14 Nov 2007 39,642 miles
Pass 2 Nov 2006 37,590 miles
Fail 31 Oct 2006 37,590 miles

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

Nearside Front brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

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

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

Offside Front brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

Pass 10 Nov 2005 35,308 miles

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

Nearside Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

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

Offside Front brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

both rear tyres worn to 0mm on very inner edges, 3mm across rest of tread

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

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.

Get full report — £4.99 Single check — £9.99
£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

WKP 254 is a 1997 BMW 840 in Silver with a 4,398cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 33 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 63.6%.

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 WKP 254, 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 WKP 254?

You can check the full history of WKP 254 by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was WKP 254 registered?

WKP 254 is a 1997 BMW 840, first registered on 15 April 1997.

Is WKP 254 safe to buy?

The MOT history for WKP 254 shows 33 tests with a 63.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does WKP 254 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 WKP 254. 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.