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BMW 3 Series

Black · Petrol · 1998 · 1,796 cc

R686 VMOMOT history

R686 VMO is a black petrol BMW 3 Series first used on 13 Mar 1998. Its MOT is valid until 18 May 2027 and it has passed 16 of 22 MOT tests, with 166,263 miles recorded at the latest.

From DVSA MOT records, updated 6 May 2026.

R686 VMO black BMW 3 Series – car details, MOT history and tax status
Illustration of a BMW 3 Series, not a photo of this vehicle
MOT
Valid
Until 18 May 2027
Mileage
166,263 mi
At MOT on 6 May 2026
MOT tests
22
16 passed · 6 failed
Per year
3,341 mi
Average between MOTs
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Vehicle details

Registration
R686 VMO
Registration format
Prefix (1983 to 2001)
Make
BMW
Model
3 Series
Colour
Black
Fuel type
Petrol
Engine size
1,796 cc
Year of manufacture
1998
First used
13 Mar 1998
MOT status
MOT valid until 18 May 2027
Latest MOT test
6 May 2026 (Pass)

Mileage history

R686 VMO was last recorded at 166,263 miles on 6 May 2026, 50 miles more than at the previous MOT on 7 May 2025.

Odometer reading at each MOT testPassFail
Previous MOT
166,213 miles · 7 May 2025
Between the last two tests
50 miles
Average per year
3,341 miles

Recorded mileage by year

  • 2026 – 166,263 miles
  • 2025 – 166,213 miles
  • 2024 – 166,167 miles
  • 2023 – 166,112 miles
  • 2022 – 166,092 miles
  • 2021 – 166,085 miles
  • 2020 – 163,819 miles
  • 2019 – 159,916 miles
  • 2018 – 156,974 miles
  • 2016 – 156,960 miles
  • 2015 – 155,854 miles
  • 2014 – 153,108 miles
  • 2013 – 149,496 miles
  • 2010 – 140,714 miles
  • 2009 – 123,374 miles
  • 2008 – 113,333 miles
  • 2007 – 101,944 miles

What the latest MOT found

Pass166,263 miles
  • AdvisoryRear Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect x2 osr / nsr (5.3.2 (d))
  • AdvisoryRear Suspension component corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))Recorded at 3 MOTs since 2024

What MOT advisories mean

Recurring issues

Items recorded at more than one earlier MOT but not at the latest one. Repeat advisories can show maintenance that was put off.

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

    Failure3 MOTs, 2014–2016

  • Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2020–2021

  • Offside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2020–2021

  • Oil leak, but not excessive

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2020–2021

  • Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2015

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

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2014

Full MOT history

22 tests since 3 Feb 2007, newest first. Select a test to see every defect and advisory.

  1. Pass166,263 miles (+50)2 advisories
    MOT expiry
    18 May 2027
    Odometer
    166,263 miles
    Test number
    721202342852
    • AdvisoryRear Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect x2 osr / nsr (5.3.2 (d))
    • AdvisoryRear Suspension component corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

  2. Pass166,213 miles (+46)2 advisories
    MOT expiry
    18 May 2026
    Odometer
    166,213 miles
    Test number
    369086320931
    • AdvisoryFront Coil spring corroded x2 osf / nsf (5.3.1 (b) (i))
    • AdvisoryRear Suspension component corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

  3. Pass166,167 miles (+55)1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    18 May 2025
    Odometer
    166,167 miles
    Test number
    347070090581
    • AdvisoryRear Suspension component corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

  4. Pass166,112 miles (+20)3 advisories
    MOT expiry
    18 May 2024
    Odometer
    166,112 miles
    Test number
    676294172668
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Suspension component corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Suspension component corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
    • AdvisoryRear surface rust on differential box

  5. Pass166,092 miles (+7)2 advisories
    MOT expiry
    17 May 2023
    Odometer
    166,092 miles
    Test number
    904657776166
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing (5.3.2 (b))
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing (5.3.2 (b))

  6. Pass166,085 miles7 advisories
    MOT expiry
    27 Apr 2022
    Odometer
    166,085 miles
    Test number
    682615845762
    • AdvisoryFront Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement back bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Suspension rod ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement back bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Suspension rod ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))
    • AdvisoryOil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

  7. Fail166,085 miles (+2,266)1 repaired7 advisories
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    166,085 miles
    Test number
    238836661285
    • Repaired at testSupplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))
    • AdvisoryFront Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement back bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Suspension rod ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement back bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Suspension rod ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))
    • AdvisoryOil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

  8. Pass163,819 miles5 advisories
    MOT expiry
    27 Apr 2021
    Odometer
    163,819 miles
    Test number
    695211736495
    • AdvisoryFront Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))
    • AdvisoryOil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

  9. Fail163,819 miles (+3,903)1 repaired5 advisories
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    163,819 miles
    Test number
    719719135007
    • Repaired at testBrake lever has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))
    • AdvisoryFront Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))
    • AdvisoryOil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

  10. Pass159,916 miles (+2,942)2 advisories
    MOT expiry
    11 Mar 2020
    Odometer
    159,916 miles
    Test number
    177660548790
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Lower Suspension component ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

  11. Pass156,974 miles (+14)
    MOT expiry
    1 Feb 2019
    Odometer
    156,974 miles
    Test number
    918380417412

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  12. Fail156,960 miles (+1,106)4 failures1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    156,960 miles
    Test number
    731702352468
    • FailureExhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
    • FailureExhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
    • FailureExhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
    • FailureNearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)
    • AdvisoryEmission test aborted due water leak

  13. Pass155,854 miles (+39)1 advisory1 note
    MOT expiry
    14 May 2016
    Odometer
    155,854 miles
    Test number
    238765835113
    • AdvisoryBrake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)
    • NoteSome perishing of rear tyres

  14. Fail155,815 miles (+2,707)6 failures2 advisories1 note
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    155,815 miles
    Test number
    565281025176
    • FailureExhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
    • FailureExhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)
    • FailureExhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)
    • FailureOffside Front Shock absorber insecure (2.7.2b)
    • FailureOffside Front Tyre not fitted in accordance with side wall instructions (4.1.D.1f)
    • FailureOffside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • AdvisoryBrake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)
    • AdvisoryNearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • NoteSome perishing of rear tyres

  15. Pass153,108 miles (+11)3 advisories
    MOT expiry
    5 May 2015
    Odometer
    153,108 miles
    Test number
    395576024173
    • AdvisoryNearside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Road wheel slightly damaged (4.2.A.1a)

  16. Fail153,097 miles (+3,601)5 failures3 advisories
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    153,097 miles
    Test number
    939761724192
    • FailureExhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
    • FailureNearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)
    • FailureNearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)
    • FailureOffside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)
    • FailureOffside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)
    • AdvisoryNearside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Road wheel slightly damaged (4.2.A.1a)

  17. Pass149,496 miles (+8,782)
    MOT expiry
    6 Feb 2014
    Odometer
    149,496 miles
    Test number
    109048733007

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  18. Pass140,714 miles (+17,340)1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    10 Feb 2011
    Odometer
    140,714 miles
    Test number
    152656930465
    • AdvisoryExhaust noisy (7.1.4)

  19. Pass123,374 miles (+10,041)3 advisories
    MOT expiry
    10 Feb 2010
    Odometer
    123,374 miles
    Test number
    603370429084
    • AdvisoryFront Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)
    • AdvisoryOffside Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

  20. Pass113,333 miles (+11,389)
    MOT expiry
    10 Feb 2009
    Odometer
    113,333 miles
    Test number
    591662048076

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  21. Pass101,944 miles
    MOT expiry
    2 Feb 2008
    Odometer
    101,944 miles
    Test number
    710494337079

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  22. Fail101,944 miles1 failure
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    101,944 miles
    Test number
    551414237019
    • FailureService brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Questions about R686 VMO

Does R686 VMO currently have a valid MOT?
Yes. DVSA records show the MOT on R686 VMO is valid until 18 May 2027.
When is the MOT due on R686 VMO?
The MOT on R686 VMO is valid until 18 May 2027. It can be tested up to a month (minus a day) before then and keep the same renewal date.
What mileage has R686 VMO done?
R686 VMO was recorded at 166,263 miles at its MOT on 6 May 2026, an average of 3,341 miles a year.
Has R686 VMO ever failed its MOT?
Yes. R686 VMO has failed 6 of its 22 MOT tests, most recently on 27 Apr 2021.
Has the mileage on R686 VMO ever gone down?
No. The odometer reading went up or stayed the same at every MOT test on record. Service records are still worth checking.
What did the latest MOT on R686 VMO find?
R686 VMO passed its latest MOT on 6 May 2026 with 2 advisories: rear shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect x2 osr / nsr; rear suspension component corroded but not seriously weakened.

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Contains DVSA MOT history data, public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Driver Codes is not affiliated with DVSA or DVLA.