Do I Need an MOT???

[DeanR32]

Afternoon PH

As the title says, does my classic car need an MOT? I'm just about wrapping up my 1975 BMW 2002 restoration/build, and know it would normally be MOT exempt, but as I've modified it somewhat, am now unsure as to whether it needs an MOT or not.

There are rules around "substantially changing the vehicle", and I have made modifications to the engine (as in using a different one). It has gone from a 2.0 8v single cam, to a 1.9 16v twin cam. Both 4 pots, and only between 30-40 bop more.

Does anyone know if this equates to a substantial change?

For the record, I will be getting an MOT, but wanted to do a shakedown beforehand

Cheers

[Robmarriott]

Just get it done anyway so you know everything is safe?

[Dr Interceptor]

If it wasn't an engine available from factory standard, then it is a substantial modification, and it needs an MOT.

I had the same with one of my Beetles which I put a 1641cc twin carb twin port motor in...

[Peter3442]

To be MoT and tax exempt, I believe (I'm not absolutely sure as the website is vague) that the car has to be registered as historic. My Mk2 has historic printed on the V5C. Since you will be giving them the change in engine number, they have an opportunity (if they know anything about BMW engines) to refuse the transfer to that licence category.

This is a clip from the DVLA website:
<<
Engine – alternative cubic capacities of the same basic engine and alternative original equipment engines are not considered a substantial change. ….

The following are considered acceptable (not substantial) changes if they fall into these specific categories:
•changes that are made to preserve a vehicle, which in all cases must be when original type parts are no longer reasonably available;
•changes of a type, that can be demonstrated to have been made when vehicles of the type were in production or in general use (within ten years of the end of production);
•in respect of axles and running gear changes made to improve efficiency, safety or environmental performance;
>>

The three bullet points are the get out clauses. So if the engine is of the same 'basic type' or if you can argue/convince whoever that you've 'improved efficiency, safety, or environmental performance,' there's a potential get out of jail free card. You should be allowed electronic fuel injection, improved breathing, raised compression ratios ..., better brakes, steering.

As far as I know, the info on the website is all that's available. Until there have been some test cases, we will not know how the rules will be interpreted or if the interpretation will be consistent. Also, we don't know if the rules will change again in the future and, if they are, whether DVLA will apply them retrospectively (they have done so for other vehicle registration matters).

I'd certainly not use the rule to avoid an MoT, especially on a car that had been extensively re-built. Have an accident and the world will be down on you and other classic owners! I would use it to maintain the car in the historic category and avoid tax and emission zone charges.

[DeanR32]

Thanks for the replies

I certainly will not be avoiding an MOT for a vehicle I built. I'll be driving my kids around in it for a start, and that's before the implications ifyou have an accident without a valid MOT on the vehicle. I can imagine that'd give an insurer wiggle room to decline a payout.

I would like to drive the car for a day or so, to check if anything falls off before it goes for an MOT.

Cant wait to take it for a spin though!

[4rephill]

DeanR32 said:

Thanks for the replies

I certainly will not be avoiding an MOT for a vehicle I built. I'll be driving my kids around in it for a start, and that's before the implications ifyou have an accident without a valid MOT on the vehicle. I can imagine that'd give an insurer wiggle room to decline a payout.

I would like to drive the car for a day or so, to check if anything falls off before it goes for an MOT.

Cant wait to take it for a spin though!

On the assumption that you're going to declare your engine mod to your insurer, in order to have legitimate insurance that won't be instantly voided in the event of anything unfortunate happening to the car, you may well find that you need an independent engineers report on the mod, before they'll insure the car.