Complete car check sample report

Explore a Complete car check report with MOT history, mileage, recorded vehicle risks and Rapid Car Check buying advice. Complete adds example finance, ownership and valuation records.

BMW 330E SE AUTO

2017 BLACK
BMW 330e car from the RAPID demo
UK
RAPID
  • Official UK vehicle data
  • 50+ checks using Rapid Car Check AI
  • 4.6 customer rating
  • 4m+ customers

SUMMARY

Overall Risk Score 8/10
Result Passed
Issues Found 12
Last Known Mileage 91,729
What Rapid Car Check says

This 2017 BMW 330e SE, RAPID, presents as a high-performance, economical saloon but is undermined by a very high-risk history. The most critical finding is an 'Unrecorded' salvage auction entry from December 2025. This indicates the vehicle sustained significant damage that was not officially declared as an insurance write-off, hiding its past from standard checks. The current owner appears to have acquired it directly from this auction, suggesting it was bought to be repaired and sold on. The vehicle's MOT history reinforces these concerns, showing two failures with dangerous defects, including exposed tyre cords on separate occasions. This, along with multiple advisories for uneven tyre wear and a noisy wheel bearing, points to persistent and potentially unresolved suspension or alignment issues. A past major defect for an engine malfunction light also raises questions about the powertrain's reliability, a crucial area for a complex plug-in hybrid. While the specification offers a desirable 248 BHP powertrain and it is clear of finance, the combination of the hidden salvage history and the documented pattern of mechanical faults makes this a vehicle to avoid for all but the most expert of buyers. The retail valuation of £12,360 is entirely inappropriate for a car with such a compromised past. Proceeding with a purchase would require a significant price reduction and a comprehensive, invasive inspection by a crash repair specialist to verify the safety and quality of any repairs.

The BMW F30 platform is generally robust, but this specific vehicle's history raises significant reliability concerns. The MOT history shows a major defect for 'Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction' in July 2025, and the complex 330e hybrid system adds potential failure points, particularly around the charging system and high-voltage battery, which are expensive to rectify.

MOT & TAX

1

MOT

This part explains how the car has done in its MOT tests. It helps you spot small problems early and see if the car has been looked after properly.

View Details +
15/12/26 Status & Expiry Date
64 Days Left
70% MOT Failure Prediction
Top Advisories: Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e)), Offside Front Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i)), Offside Front Outer Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
Borderline: The offside front wheel bearing, noted as 'slightly noisy' in July 2025, will likely degrade into a failure.. Any remaining tyres showing edge wear will not pass another MOT. Rapid Car Check recommends checking these during inspection.

Road Tax

This tells you how much tax the car needs and why. It helps you understand future costs and whether the tax is likely to stay the same.

01/01/27 Tax due
81 Days Left

Tax Forecast

  • For the 2024/25 period, this vehicle pays the standard annual rate for petrol/hybrid cars, which is £180 for hybrids. As its original list price was likely over £40,000, it would have been subject to an additional 'expensive car supplement' for five years, but this period has now ended for a 2017 model.
  • Its Euro 6b status makes it compliant with the London ULEZ and other UK Clean Air Zones for the foreseeable future, avoiding daily charges for entry into these areas.
  • While currently compliant, be aware that cities may introduce stricter emissions standards post-2030 that could impact plug-in hybrids, potentially leading to future charges as the UK moves towards its ZEV mandate.

Critical Checks

3

Written Off

This shows if the car was ever damaged badly enough for an insurer to write it off. It helps you decide if you need to ask more questions before buying.
Data is provided by Experian.

WRITE-OFF DATE REG WRITE-OFF CATEGORY INSURER CAUSE OF DAMAGE DAMAGE LOCATION
27/01/25 RAPID CAT N NON STRUCTURAL DAMAGE LIVERPOOL VICTORIA Water Engine

Plate Changes

This tells you if the car has changed registration numbers. It helps you check the car identity and spot anything unusual.
Data is provided by Experian.

NO PLATE CHANGES

Colour Changes

This vehicle has no recorded colour changes.
Data is provided by Experian.

NO COLOUR CHANGES

Stolen Report

This checks if the car has ever been reported stolen or recovered. It helps you feel confident that the car history is clear.
Data is provided by Experian.

NO
Car Theft Report
  • The critical checks confirm that this vehicle, RAPID, is currently 'Clear' and not listed as stolen on the Police National Computer.
  • BMW 3 Series models are highly desirable to thieves for their parts and resale value, placing them in higher insurance groups and making them a frequent target for organised crime.
  • The keyless entry system on this generation is a known vulnerability. It is highly recommended to use a steering wheel lock and store the keys in a Faraday pouch when not in use to prevent relay theft.

Colour report

We checked the colour history using Experian £10,000 guaranteed data to confirm the vehicle's original colour, identify any recorded colour changes, and verify when the last change was officially recorded.

Verified current colour BLACK
Original factory recorded colour NO DATA
Recorded colour change history 0 recorded change(s)
Last recorded colour change No Data
Colour change risk indicator Low
Colour data source Experian vehicle history records

Salvage Report

This explains if the car has ever been classed as salvage. It helps you understand past damage and whether repairs may have taken place.
Data is provided by Experian.

SALVAGE AUCTION DATE 09/12/25
MILEAGE 91,604
SALVAGE AUCTION DESC U - Unrecorded
PRIMARY DAMAGE DESC No Data
SECONDARY DAMAGE DESC No Data
SALVAGE AUCTION LOCATION GLOUCESTER
PHOTOS No Data
Salvage Insights
  • The data shows an entry from a salvage auction on 2025-12-09, described as 'U - Unrecorded'. This means the vehicle's history is tainted by a significant incident that has not been officially recorded as a Category S or N write-off.
  • An 'Unrecorded' salvage history presents a major risk, as the extent of the damage is unknown and repairs may not have been carried out to a safe standard. This is a vehicle for an experienced buyer only, who can professionally assess the quality of the repairs. A crash repair specialist must always be consulted before making any decision on salvaged cars.

Scrap Details

This shows if the car was ever marked as scrapped or broken for parts. It helps you confirm the car should still be on the road.
Data is provided by Experian.

NO SCRAP DATA FOUND

Taxi & Licencing

This checks if the car was used as a taxi or private hire vehicle. It helps you understand how hard the car may have worked.

NO RECORD FOUND

Vehicle Safety Recall Notice

This tells you if the car was recalled for safety reasons. It helps you check if important fixes were needed or completed.

RECALL OUTSTANDING — details unavailable

The DVSA has flagged an outstanding recall for this vehicle, but detailed recall information was not provided. Please check with the manufacturer or visit gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall for more details.

Mileage

Mileage History

This shows how the mileage has changed over time. It helps you spot gaps or sudden jumps that may need explaining.

DATE SOURCE MILEAGE (MILES)
16/12/25 MOT 91,729
24/07/25 MOT 87,647
24/07/25 MOT 87,647
22/07/24 MOT 77,661
27/07/23 MOT 65,415
20/07/22 MOT 55,159
18/07/22 MOT 55,154
22/07/21 MOT 45,118
13/07/20 MOT 38,525

Extended Mileage Chart

This gives a bigger picture of mileage over several years. It helps you see long term use at a glance.

MOT History

2

History

This shows past MOT results and problems found. It helps you understand wear and tear as the car gets older.

Mileage Notes

The most recent recorded mileage is above average for a vehicle of this age.

This vehicle has done 91,729 miles.

We allow a +/- 15% variation of the average.

DATE RESULT MILEAGE (MILES)
16/12/25 PASSED 91,729

No Data

24/07/25 PASSED 87,647

+4,082 miles travelled since last MOT.

Offside Front Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

24/07/25 FAILED 87,647

+0 miles travelled since last MOT.

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))

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

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))

Offside Front Wheel bearing slightly noisy (5.1.3 (b) (i))

22/07/24 PASSED 77,661

+9,986 miles travelled since last MOT.

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

27/07/23 PASSED 65,415

+12,246 miles travelled since last MOT.

No Data

20/07/22 PASSED 55,159

+10,256 miles travelled since last MOT.

No Data

18/07/22 FAILED 55,154

+5 miles travelled since last MOT.

Nearside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge Worn on outer edge (5.2.3 (e))

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

22/07/21 PASSED 45,118

+10,036 miles travelled since last MOT.

No Data

13/07/20 PASSED 38,525

+6,593 miles travelled since last MOT.

No Data

MOT Report
  • Tyres (due to uneven wear)
  • Suspension components (e.g., control arm bushings, wheel bearings)
  • Brake components

Defect Report

This highlights issues found during checks. It helps you know what may need fixing.

YEAR DEFECTS
2025 6
2024 1
2022 4
Common Defect Summary
  • Charging flap mechanism failure
  • EGR cooler issues (less common on petrol models but still possible)
  • High-voltage battery degradation over time
  • Suspension bush wear, leading to uneven tyre wear as seen in the MOT history

Finance Details

No outstanding finance records found for this vehicle.

This section shows if the vehicle has any outstanding finance agreements. It helps you avoid buying a car that could be repossessed.
Data is provided by Experian.

Ownership

Summary

This section explains how many owners the car has had. It helps you understand how often the car has changed hands.
Data is provided by Experian.

4
N° of previous Keepers
2018
Current Keeper Since
9 years
Vehicle Age

Ownership History

This shows when owners changed over time. It helps you spot very short or very long ownership periods.
Data is provided by Experian.

ACQ. DATE SALE DATE MILEAGE (MILES)
30/05/18 No Data 38,525
28/12/22 No Data 55,159
12/12/25 No Data 91,729
09/01/26 No Data 91,729
Ownership Pattern Insight

Vehicle Details

Your Manual Checks

This reminds you what you should physically look at yourself. It helps you catch things computers cannot see.

VIN WBA8E12070A239219
Engine Number 10075047
V5C log book date: 10/01/26
VIN Verification Tip
  • The VIN (ending 9219) should be clearly visible at the base of the windscreen on the passenger side.
  • Check the VIN sticker on the driver's or passenger's B-pillar (inside the door frame) and ensure it is intact and not tampered with.
  • Confirm that the VIN on the vehicle physically matches the VIN printed on the V5C registration document.

Specification

This shows what the car came with from the factory. It helps you understand size, engine type and key features, as well as how you can modify the car.

Manufacturer BMW
Model 330E SE AUTO
Model Detail 3 Series
Trim Level 330e SAL 2.0 PHEV SE AU
Colour BLACK
Body Style 4 DOOR SALOON
Fuel Type HYB PETROL
Engine Size 1998 cc
Transmission AUTOMATIC
Gears 8
Drivetrain Rear Wheel
Doors 4
Seats 5
Fuel Tank Capacity 41 litres
Drive Type No Data
Driving Axle No Data
IDS Code BM025823
IDS Body Type Saloon
IDS Model Tree Old 3 Series Saloon
P11D List Price £35,565
Model Year 17A
Introduced Date 03/07/2017
Production End 29/10/2017
Euro Status 6b
London ULEZ Compliant Yes
Vehicle Age 9 years 2 months
Year of Manf. 2017
Marked for Export No
Real Driving Emissions No Data
ART End Date No Data
Autonomous Vehicle No Data
Special Edition No Data
Vehicle State Old
Commercial Vehicle No
OEM Model Range 3 Series Saloon
Gross Vehicle Weight No Data
Max Braked Towing No Data
Max Unbraked Towing No Data
Country of Origin Germany
Vehicle Taxation Class Car
Type Approval Category M1
Market Sector AA
Platform L7
Platform Shared Yes
CO₂ Emissions No Data
Make and Model Insights
  • As an SE model, this vehicle represents the base specification. The key feature is the 1998cc petrol hybrid engine producing 248 BHP, but it will likely have standard seats, smaller alloy wheels, and less aggressive body styling compared to higher trims.
  • Common modifications for the F30 3 Series platform include upgrading to M Sport style bumpers, larger alloy wheels, and fitting a rear spoiler. These are purely cosmetic and can be done relatively easily, but using non-genuine parts can devalue the car.
  • While engine remapping is possible for the petrol component, it is not widely recommended for the 330e due to the complexity of the hybrid drivetrain. Any such modification would need to be declared to the insurer and could void any existing warranties on the powertrain or battery.

Safety Ratings

Euro NCAP crash test ratings showing how well the vehicle protects occupants and pedestrians in various collision scenarios.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Euro NCAP Overall Rating
95% Adult Occupant
84% Child Occupant
78% Pedestrian
86% Safety Assist

Dimensions

External measurements of the vehicle. Useful for parking, garage fit, and comparing to other vehicles.

Length 4,633 mm
Width 1,811 mm
Height 1,429 mm
Wheelbase 2,810 mm

Weight

Vehicle weight figures affect fuel economy, handling, and towing capacity. Important for understanding load limits.

Kerb Weight 1,660 kg
Unladen Weight No Data
Gross Vehicle Weight 2,195 kg
Payload Capacity No Data

Engine Details

Technical specifications of the engine including configuration, aspiration, and fuel system details.

Cylinders 4 cylinders (Inline)
Aspiration Turbocharged
Valve Gear DOHC
Fuel Delivery Injection
Engine Location Front
Engine Manufacturer BMW
Engine Family No Data

Noise Levels

Official sound level measurements. Lower values indicate a quieter vehicle. Important for residential areas and long journeys.

Stationary Noise 73 dB @ 3,750 rpm
Drive-by Noise 74 dB

Performance

This explains how fast and powerful the car feels. It helps you understand everyday driving ability.

0-60 mph 6.1 sec
Top Speed 140 MPH
BHP 248 BHP
PS 251 PS
kW 185 kW
Peak Power 248 BHP at 6,500 rpm
Torque 420 Nm at 4,250 rpm
0-100 km/h No Data
Max Speed (km/h) 225 km/h
Stationary Sound Level 73 dB
Drive-by Sound Level 74 dB
Performance Review

With a combined 248 BHP and 420 Nm of torque, the vehicle delivers brisk acceleration, achieving 0-60 MPH in a claimed 6.1 seconds, offering performance comparable to a traditional 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol saloon.

Real World Driving Costs

This explains what the car may cost to run day to day. It helps you plan fuel insurance and servicing costs.

£0.04
1 Mile
£4.00
100 Miles
£480
12,000 Miles

Fuel Economy

This shows official fuel use figures. It helps you compare cars easily.

- MPG
Urban
- MPG
Extra-Urban
148.7 MPG
Combined
To get anywhere near the claimed 148.7 MPG, you must charge the battery before every journey and primarily undertake trips shorter than 20 miles.

Real-World MPG Adjustment

This explains why real fuel use is different from official figures. It helps you set realistic expectations.

Official 148.7 MPG
→
Real-world 126 MPG
The official 148.7 MPG figure is a theoretical maximum under ideal test conditions. For a typical UK driver doing a mix of roads without charging daily, a realistic expectation should be set at 35-45 MPG. On long motorway runs where the battery is depleted, the car is simply a heavy 2.0-litre petrol, and economy will be at the lower end of this range.

Annual Cost Prediction

This estimates yearly running costs. It helps you avoid surprises after buying.

The official combined figure of 148.7 MPG is only achievable with constant charging and short trips. A more realistic mixed-driving MPG without daily charging is 35-45 MPG. Based on 10,192 miles per year at 40 MPG and a petrol price of £1.50/litre, expect an annual fuel cost of approximately £1,735.
Fuel
£800 - £1300 per year, subject to driver history. The 248 BHP output places it in a moderately high insurance group.
Insurance
£350 - £600 per year. Budget for specialist servicing due to the hybrid system. Costs will vary between minor and major service intervals.
Servicing
Anticipate annual running costs to be significantly influenced by repair bills, particularly for tyres and suspension, as suggested by the vehicle's MOT history.

CO2emission figures (g/km)

This shows how much pollution the car produces. It helps explain tax and environmental rules.

<100 A 45 g/km
101-110 111-120 B C
121-130 131-140 D E
141-150 151-165 F G
166-175 176-185 H I
186-200 201-225 J K
226-255 256+over L M

VED Rates

This explains how Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) or UK road tax is worked out. It helps you understand future tax costs.

VED for 12 months £195
VED for 6 months £107.25

Vehicle Valuation

Valuation Details

BMW 330e SE Auto 330E SE [Petrol/Electric / Automatic]

Based on Mileage 10,000 miles
On The Road (New) £33,695
Valuation Date February 2026
TRADE POOR
TRADE AVERAGE
AUCTION
PART EXCHANGE
PRIVATE AVERAGE
PRIVATE CLEAN
TRADE RETAIL
DEALER FORECOURT
£7,945
£9,284
£9,832
£9,986
£10,416
£10,418
£11,581
£12,360
TRADE POOR
£7,945
TRADE AVERAGE
£9,284
AUCTION
£9,832
PART EXCHANGE
£9,986
PRIVATE AVERAGE
£10,416
PRIVATE CLEAN
£10,418
TRADE RETAIL
£11,581
DEALER FORECOURT
£12,360

EV Specific

This vehicle is not an electric or hybrid vehicle. EV-specific data is not available.

Experian Condition/Stolen

DATE OF LOSS VEHICLE STATUS THEFT INDICATOR MIAFTR ENTRY INSURER NAME INSURER CONTACT INSURER CLAIM # LOSS TYPE
27/01/25 CAT N NON STRUCTURAL DAMAGE NOT STOLEN No Data LIVERPOOL VICTORIA 01202 292333 200-72-553191 No Data

Experian High Risk

No high risk records found.

Experian Vehicle Identity

No vehicle identity check records found.

Experian Previous Searches

DATE OF SEARCH TIME OF SEARCH BUSINESS TYPE SEARCHING
11/02/26 14:10:07 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
02/02/26 16:21:06 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
30/01/26 16:53:45 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
09/01/26 20:34:23 GMT INSURER
09/01/26 09:22:41 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
08/01/26 23:46:51 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
08/01/26 23:34:03 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
08/01/26 23:34:03 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
08/12/25 21:36:08 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
08/12/25 21:36:08 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
08/12/25 19:53:17 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
08/12/25 02:52:37 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
05/12/25 11:49:03 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
23/10/25 12:24:56 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
23/10/25 12:08:46 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
01/10/25 08:34:37 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
06/02/25 11:20:52 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
03/01/24 08:17:18 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
22/12/22 12:17:21 GMT INSURER
22/12/22 12:17:21 GMT INSURER
22/12/22 12:17:21 GMT INSURER
18/12/22 17:46:56 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
18/12/22 17:45:26 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
15/12/22 08:22:00 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
25/11/22 14:42:00 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER
09/11/22 11:37:09 GMT MOTOR TRADE & OTHER

Buying Insights from Rapid Car Check AI

8/10
Purchase Risk
Score
£800 - £1,800
Maintenance Prediction
next year
2 / 5
Reliability Summary
★★★★★

BMW 330E SE AUTO

2 AXLE RIGID BODY 2017 BLACK

Buying Insights from Rapid Car Check AI
Confirm Basics
  • → Verify the registration RAPID matches the VIN ending 9219 on the car and V5C.
  • → Check that both the petrol engine and electric motor engage smoothly during a test drive.
  • → Ensure the public charging cable and the 3-pin home charger are both present and working.
Paperwork
  • → Scrutinise the V5C; the last issue date of 2025-12-29 is just after the salvage auction, confirming a recent keeper change.
  • → Ask for the service history and check for stamps that align with the mileage increments between MOTs.
  • → Insist on seeing receipts for the repair of the 'Engine MIL' fault from the 2025 MOT failure.
Make and Model Characteristics
  • → Test the charging port flap, as the locking mechanism is a known weak point on the 330e.
  • → Navigate through all menus on the iDrive infotainment system to check for lagging or crashing.
  • → On the test drive, cycle through the eDrive modes (e.g., MAX eDRIVE, SAVE BATTERY) to ensure they all function correctly.
Make and Model-Specific Wear and Tear
  • → The MOT history's repeated tyre wear issue is a classic F30 symptom of worn rear suspension bushes; check these carefully.
  • → Due to regenerative braking, the brake pads and discs can last longer but can also seize from underuse; check for corrosion.
  • → Listen for any whining from the drivetrain, which could indicate issues with the complex 8-speed automatic gearbox paired with the electric motor.
Exterior Weak Spots
  • → Check the alloy wheels for excessive corrosion or 'bubbling' under the lacquer, a common BMW issue.
  • → Inspect the black paint for swirling and fine scratches, as this colour shows imperfections easily.
  • → Examine the headlight lenses for clouding or hazing, which can affect light output.
Cabin and Electronics
  • → Check the driver's seat bolster for excessive wear, which is common on F30s with this mileage.
  • → Ensure all functions on the climate control panel work, including the air conditioning which is linked to the hybrid battery cooling.
  • → Test all electric windows, as the regulators can be a weak point.
Engine and Mechanical Parts
  • → Check for any oil leaks around the engine oil filter housing and rocker cover, a common area for gaskets to fail.
  • → Listen for any timing chain rattle on a cold start, although less of an issue on this B48 engine than its predecessor.
  • → Ask when the last brake fluid change was, as it's required every two years and is crucial for this heavy car.
Engine Bay Clues
  • → Look for signs of non-BMW branded parts, which could indicate cheap repairs following the salvage incident.
  • → Check the chassis legs and front panel for any signs of repair, such as non-factory welds or mismatched paint.
  • → Examine fluid levels and colours; the coolant for the hybrid system is separate and critical.
Crash/Salvage Clues
  • → Given the salvage history, meticulously check panel alignment, especially the bonnet, boot, and doors.
  • → Lift the boot carpet and inspect the boot floor for any signs of buckling or repair, indicating a rear-end impact.
  • → Look for paint overspray on rubber seals, suspension components, and in the door shuts.
Modification Clues
  • → Check if the car is sitting lower than standard, which would indicate aftermarket suspension.
  • → Look for non-standard exhaust tips or an unusually loud exhaust note.
  • → Inspect the engine bay for any non-standard air intakes or evidence of an engine ECU remap.
Test Drive
  • → Drive over uneven surfaces and listen for knocks from the suspension, paying attention to the front offside due to the wheel bearing advisory.
  • → Feel for any hesitation or jerking during the transition between electric and petrol power.
  • → Perform a full-lock turn in both directions to listen for any clicks or groans from the steering or suspension.
Seller Questions
  • → 'The history shows a salvage auction entry in December 2025. What damage occurred and who repaired it?'
  • → 'Can you provide invoices for the work done to rectify the dangerous tyre defects and the engine light failure from the MOTs?'
  • → 'Why are you selling the car so soon after acquiring it from the auction?'
First 30 Days Plan
  • → Immediately book a four-wheel hunter alignment check to address the root cause of the tyre wear.
  • → Get a BMW specialist or hybrid expert to perform a full battery health diagnosis.
  • → Change the engine oil and filter, regardless of what the service history says, for peace of mind.
Market Timing: Data not available for this vehicle