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B20 JLJ

1997 BMW Z3

Red Petrol 1895cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires25 May 2027
Tests31 (20 pass, 11 fail)
Pass rate64.5%

Mileage

80,606 mi
Last recorded80,606 miles
Recorded on15 May 2026
Typical for 1997 BMW Z383,222 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this BMW
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationB20 JLJ
MakeBMW
ModelZ3
Year1997
ColourRed
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,895cc
View full BMW Z3 reliability data Browse other 1997 BMW Z3 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

20 pass 11 fail
Pass 15 May 2026 80,606 miles

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (i))

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

Front Suspension component corroded but not seriously weakened multiple both sides (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Fuel tank straps corroded

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

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

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

Power steering pipe/hose slightly corroded (2.1.5 (g) (i))

Rear Sub-frame pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both sides (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Rear diff corroded

Spare wheel carrier corroded

Pass 16 May 2025 80,574 miles

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (i))

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

Front Service brake binding but not excessively both sides (1.2.1 (f))

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

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

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

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

Rear Sub-frame pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both sides (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Rear diff corroded

both fuel tank straps corroded

spare wheel carrier corroded

Pass 24 May 2024 80,538 miles

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (i))

Both fuel tank straps corroded

Front Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Front Both front hubs corroded

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

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

Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened Both (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Rear Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Rear axle corroded

Pass 26 May 2023 80,467 miles

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Rear axle corroded

Fail 25 May 2023 80,467 miles

Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Rear axle corroded

Pass 13 May 2022 80,186 miles

Front Anti-roll bar corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Nearside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Sub-frame pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Sub-frame pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Undertrays fitted restricting full inspection

Fail 22 Apr 2022 80,186 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength outer sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength outer sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (i))

Front Both front hubs corroded

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

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

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

Nearside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Sub-frame pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Sub-frame pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Undertrays fitted restricting full inspection

Pass 26 Mar 2021 80,122 miles

Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly twisted (1.1.12 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

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

vehicle undertrays fitted preventing full inspection

Pass 26 Apr 2019 79,420 miles

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Vehicles internal headlight adjuster altered to recheck lights

corrosion under vehcile

under trays fitted not allowing full inspection of some vehicle components

Fail 26 Apr 2019 79,420 miles

Battery insecure and likely to fall from carrier (4.13 (a) (ii))

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Vehicles internal headlight adjuster altered to recheck lights

corrosion under vehcile

under trays fitted not allowing full inspection of some vehicle components

Pass 20 Apr 2018 79,111 miles

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

Offside Front Body has slight corrosion sill outer skin (6.1.B.2)

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

undertrays fitted not allowing full inspection of some components

Pass 18 Apr 2017 78,846 miles

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

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

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

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

under trays fitted not allowing full inspection of some vehicle components

Pass 15 Apr 2016 78,521 miles

Nearside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

fuel tank strap corroded

Fail 15 Apr 2016 78,521 miles

Battery insecure (1.9.1)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

fuel tank strap corroded

Pass 5 Jun 2015 78,000 miles

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

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

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

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

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

front reg plate damaged

fuel tank strap rusty

rear exhaust rubbing on sub frame

Fail 22 May 2015 78,000 miles

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

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

fuel tank strap rusty

rear exhaust rubbing on sub frame

front reg plate damaged

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

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

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

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

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

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 16 May 2014 77,949 miles

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

slight movement in drivers seat motor

Fail 16 May 2014 77,944 miles

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

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

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

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

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

slight movement in drivers seat motor

Pass 20 May 2013 77,596 miles

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Fail 17 May 2013 77,590 miles

Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 1 Jun 2012 76,857 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Pass 14 May 2011 72,660 miles

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

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

Fail 7 May 2011 72,651 miles

Emissions not tested (7.0)

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

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

Pass 26 Apr 2010 65,948 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

front number plate cracked

Pass 29 Apr 2009 59,062 miles

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

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

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

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

Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Fail 29 Apr 2009 59,062 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)

Fail 6 May 2008 52,603 miles

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Pass 6 May 2008 52,603 miles
Pass 23 Apr 2007 44,630 miles
Fail 18 Apr 2007 44,629 miles

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

Offside Front coil spring incomplete (2.4.C.1a)

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

Pass 16 Mar 2006 39,510 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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B20 JLJ is a 1997 BMW Z3 in Red with a 1,895cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 64.5%.

Across all 1997 BMW Z3 models, the average MOT pass rate is 70.6% with a typical mileage of 83,222 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 B20 JLJ, 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 29 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 B20 JLJ?

You can check the full history of B20 JLJ by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was B20 JLJ registered?

B20 JLJ is a 1997 BMW Z3, first registered on 30 October 1997.

Is B20 JLJ safe to buy?

The MOT history for B20 JLJ shows 31 tests with a 64.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does B20 JLJ 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 B20 JLJ. 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.