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BMW 3 Series

Red · Petrol · 1998 · 2,494 cc

S53 VAOMOT history

S53 VAO is a red petrol BMW 3 Series first used on 20 Aug 1998. Its MOT is valid until 1 Jan 2027 and it has passed 16 of 26 MOT tests, with 117,550 miles recorded at the latest.

From DVSA MOT records, updated 2 Jan 2026.

S53 VAO red 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 1 Jan 2027
Mileage
117,550 mi
At MOT on 2 Jan 2026
MOT tests
26
16 passed · 10 failed
Per year
2,770 mi
Average between MOTs
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Vehicle details

Registration
S53 VAO
Registration format
Prefix (1983 to 2001)
Make
BMW
Model
3 Series
Colour
Red
Fuel type
Petrol
Engine size
2,494 cc
Year of manufacture
1998
First used
20 Aug 1998
MOT status
MOT valid until 1 Jan 2027
Latest MOT test
2 Jan 2026 (Pass)

Mileage history

S53 VAO was last recorded at 117,550 miles on 2 Jan 2026, 1,452 miles more than at the previous MOT on 29 Nov 2025.

Odometer reading at each MOT testPassFail
Previous MOT
116,098 miles · 29 Nov 2025
Between the last two tests
1,452 miles
Average per year
2,770 miles

Recorded mileage by year

  • 2026 – 117,550 miles
  • 2025 – 116,098 miles
  • 2024 – 104,150 miles
  • 2023 – 103,668 miles
  • 2022 – 103,153 miles
  • 2018 – 99,403 miles
  • 2016 – 95,454 miles
  • 2015 – 92,961 miles
  • 2014 – 90,632 miles
  • 2013 – 88,662 miles
  • 2012 – 86,364 miles
  • 2011 – 84,721 miles
  • 2010 – 83,112 miles
  • 2009 – 80,713 miles
  • 2008 – 75,107 miles
  • 2007 – 68,148 miles
  • 2006 – 62,389 miles

What the latest MOT found

Pass117,550 miles

No defects or advisories were recorded.

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.

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

    Advisory8 MOTs, 2008–2015

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

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2018

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

    Failure2 MOTs, 2009–2018

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

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2016

  • Nearside Front tyre cracking

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2016

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

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2015

Full MOT history

26 tests since 2 Feb 2006, newest first. Select a test to see every defect and advisory.

  1. Pass117,550 miles (+1,452)
    MOT expiry
    1 Jan 2027
    Odometer
    117,550 miles
    Test number
    5090517

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  2. Fail116,098 miles (+11,948)
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    116,098 miles
    Test number
    5001337

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  3. Pass104,150 miles (+482)5 advisories
    MOT expiry
    16 Sept 2025
    Odometer
    104,150 miles
    Test number
    456179983932
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Inner Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryRear Direction indicator slightly discoloured both sides (4.4.3 (a))
    • AdvisoryBottom of radiator insecure but not likely to fall from its mounts
    • AdvisoryGearbox rear mounting rubbers deteriorated
    • AdvisoryUndersealed underneath

  4. Pass103,668 miles (+515)1 minor5 advisories
    MOT expiry
    28 Aug 2024
    Odometer
    103,668 miles
    Test number
    923104511695
    • MinorRear Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated n/s and o/s inner side (corroded) (6.1.7 (g) (i))
    • AdvisoryCentral Rear Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively (6.1.7 (c) (i))
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Hydraulic leak, but not excessive leak from power steering pipe (8.4.1 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryRear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
    • AdvisoryCar is covered with underseal paint

  5. Pass103,153 miles (+3,750)1 minor5 advisories
    MOT expiry
    25 Jun 2023
    Odometer
    103,153 miles
    Test number
    652678988300
    • MinorOffside Rear Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))
    • AdvisoryExhaust noisy (8.1.1 (a))
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Outer Steering linkage ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryNearside Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

  6. Pass99,403 miles (+64)1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    4 Feb 2019
    Odometer
    99,403 miles
    Test number
    632293783476
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

  7. Fail99,339 miles (+3,885)5 failures3 advisories
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    99,339 miles
    Test number
    171190048586
    • FailureExhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
    • FailureNearside Front Brake hose excessively chafed (3.6.B.4d)
    • FailureNearside Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)
    • FailureOffside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)
    • FailureOffside Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • AdvisoryPower steering pipe(s) or hose(s) slightly corroded at rack (2.3.2)

  8. Pass95,454 miles (+20)2 advisories
    MOT expiry
    18 Dec 2017
    Odometer
    95,454 miles
    Test number
    827041066000
    • AdvisoryFront brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
    • AdvisoryNearside Front tyre cracking

  9. Fail95,434 miles (+2,473)8 failures2 advisories
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    95,434 miles
    Test number
    618958977295
    • FailureAnti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (3.4.1c)
    • FailureNearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)
    • FailureNearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in an outer ball joint (2.5.B.2a)
    • FailureNearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)
    • FailureOffside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)
    • FailureOffside Front Front suspension has excessive play in an outer ball joint (2.5.B.2a)
    • FailureOffside Front Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)
    • FailureOffside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)
    • AdvisoryFront brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
    • AdvisoryNearside Front tyre cracking

  10. Pass92,961 miles (+1)6 advisories
    MOT expiry
    7 Dec 2016
    Odometer
    92,961 miles
    Test number
    889879951561
    • AdvisoryFront brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both (3.5.1i)
    • AdvisoryFront coil spring corroded both (2.4.C.1b)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
    • AdvisoryPower steering pipe(s) or hose(s) slightly corroded (2.3.2)
    • AdvisoryRear fuel pipes corroded
    • AdvisoryExhaust corroded

  11. Fail92,960 miles (+2,328)3 failures6 advisories
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    92,960 miles
    Test number
    929770393812
    • FailureNearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)
    • FailureNearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)
    • FailureOffside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)
    • AdvisoryFront brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both (3.5.1i)
    • AdvisoryFront coil spring corroded both (2.4.C.1b)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
    • AdvisoryPower steering pipe(s) or hose(s) slightly corroded (2.3.2)
    • AdvisoryRear fuel pipes corroded
    • AdvisoryExhaust corroded

  12. Pass90,632 miles1 advisory5 notes
    MOT expiry
    25 Nov 2015
    Odometer
    90,632 miles
    Test number
    459468204321
    • AdvisoryRear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)
    • NoteCenter exhaust support bracket broken
    • NoteDampness in headlamps but not affecting light output
    • NoteFront suspension struts rusted
    • NoteMovement in n/s/f lower suspension joint
    • NoteSteering pipes rusted heavily

  13. Fail90,632 miles (+1,970)1 failure1 advisory5 notes
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    90,632 miles
    Test number
    118243904321
    • FailureOffside Rear coil spring broken (2.4.C.1a)
    • AdvisoryRear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)
    • NoteCenter exhaust support bracket broken
    • NoteDampness in headlamps but not affecting light output
    • NoteFront suspension struts rusted
    • NoteMovement in n/s/f lower suspension joint
    • NoteSteering pipes rusted heavily

  14. Pass88,662 miles7 advisories1 note
    MOT expiry
    25 Nov 2014
    Odometer
    88,662 miles
    Test number
    457241113479
    • AdvisoryFront registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)
    • AdvisoryNearside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)
    • AdvisoryRear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)
    • NotePower steering pipes corroded

  15. Fail88,662 miles (+2,298)3 failures8 advisories1 note
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    88,662 miles
    Test number
    179965503399
    • FailureNearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)
    • FailureNearside Rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (3.6.B.4e)
    • FailureNearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)
    • AdvisoryFront registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)
    • AdvisoryNearside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.G.1)
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)
    • AdvisoryRear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)
    • NotePower steering pipes corroded

  16. Pass86,364 miles (+1,643)1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    25 Nov 2013
    Odometer
    86,364 miles
    Test number
    709541232360
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

  17. Pass84,721 miles2 advisories3 notes
    MOT expiry
    20 Nov 2012
    Odometer
    84,721 miles
    Test number
    495355021435
    • AdvisoryHeadlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
    • NoteAll brake discs rusted
    • NoteFront suspension and steering heavily corroded
    • NoteRear suspension corroded

  18. Fail84,721 miles (+1,609)1 failure3 advisories3 notes
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    84,721 miles
    Test number
    297978111315
    • FailureOffside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.5.A.2)
    • AdvisoryBrakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)
    • AdvisoryHeadlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
    • NoteAll brake discs rusted
    • NoteFront suspension and steering heavily corroded
    • NoteRear suspension corroded

  19. Pass83,112 miles2 notes
    MOT expiry
    16 May 2011
    Odometer
    83,112 miles
    Test number
    100737730110
    • NoteOffside front tyre wearing on outside edge
    • NoteOffside front wheel bearing noisey

  20. Fail83,112 miles (+2,399)4 failures2 notes
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    83,112 miles
    Test number
    282177720495
    • FailureBrakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)
    • FailureOffside Front coil spring fractured (2.4.C.1a)
    • FailureOffside Rear coil spring fractured (2.4.C.1a)
    • FailureParking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)
    • NoteOffside front tyre wearing on outside edge
    • NoteOffside front wheel bearing noisey

  21. Pass80,713 miles (+16)1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    12 May 2010
    Odometer
    80,713 miles
    Test number
    854633739174
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

  22. Fail80,697 miles (+5,590)9 failures1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    80,697 miles
    Test number
    632611629190
    • FailureBrakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)
    • FailureExhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
    • FailureNearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • FailureNearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
    • FailureNearside Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
    • FailureNearside Rear coil spring fractured (2.4.C.1a)
    • FailureOffside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • FailureOffside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)
    • FailureOffside Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

  23. Pass75,107 miles2 advisories
    MOT expiry
    5 Mar 2009
    Odometer
    75,107 miles
    Test number
    400808458029
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

  24. Fail75,107 miles (+6,959)2 failures2 advisories
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    75,107 miles
    Test number
    123929648006
    • FailureNearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • FailureOffside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

  25. Pass68,148 miles (+5,759)
    MOT expiry
    5 Mar 2008
    Odometer
    68,148 miles
    Test number
    633405667004

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  26. Pass62,389 miles
    MOT expiry
    5 Feb 2007
    Odometer
    62,389 miles
    Test number
    952023336076

    No defects or advisories recorded.

Questions about S53 VAO

Does S53 VAO currently have a valid MOT?
Yes. DVSA records show the MOT on S53 VAO is valid until 1 Jan 2027.
When is the MOT due on S53 VAO?
The MOT on S53 VAO is valid until 1 Jan 2027. It can be tested up to a month (minus a day) before then and keep the same renewal date.
What mileage has S53 VAO done?
S53 VAO was recorded at 117,550 miles at its MOT on 2 Jan 2026, an average of 2,770 miles a year.
Has S53 VAO ever failed its MOT?
Yes. S53 VAO has failed 10 of its 26 MOT tests, most recently on 29 Nov 2025.
Has the mileage on S53 VAO 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 S53 VAO find?
S53 VAO passed its latest MOT on 2 Jan 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded.

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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.