Is this Australia's Most Unroadworthy Car?

Police pulled over a BMW in Melbourne’s south-east earlier this week with a bizarre set of defects. 

Spotted in Cranbourne North on Greaves Road on July 21st, the 1997 E36-generation BMW 318i sedan was found without any bonnet. 

Upon closer inspection, police also discovered the driver’s seat – which was also the vehicle’s one remaining front seat – had a plastic garden chair in its place. 

Both a bonnet and a front driver's seat were featured as standard on all variants of the E36-generation 3 Series. Front garden chairs have never been a factory option on any BMW model.

The upholstery on the sedan’s rear passenger seats had also been removed. 

The car’s 64-year-old male driver – who was issued with a defect notice  – explained to police that he knew the car wasn’t roadworthy and had been on his way to get parts for it. 

According to Victoria Police, he is expected to be charged on summons with traffic offences. 

Though extreme, it is by no means the only example of blatant unroadworthiness discovered on Australian roads. 

In 2023, police pulled over a Mitsubishi Lancer with an extensive list of defects including bald tyres, missing rear passenger doors, a missing bonnet and graffitied front and rear windscreens. 

Another case in late-2024 in NSW saw a Toyota 86 pulled over with missing panels, mismatched wheels and had even been fitted with a non-compliant and non-certified turbocharger.

This rough-around-the-edges 3 Series example serves as a potent reminder of the importance of proper vehicle maintenance. Always ensure that the bonnet and driver's seat remain on or in the vehicle at all times.