2002 BMW 3 Series 2.9L Diesel · AG51 AYC
2002 BMW 3 Series (2.9L, diesel). First registered 01 Feb 2002. Recorded mileage 174,732 miles. MOT expired on 02 Apr 2019. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Peterborough
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 02 Apr 2019
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (30 May 2019)
- Recorded Mileage
- 174,732 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
AG51 AYC Key Findings
- 17 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 03/04/2018
- 174,732 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
AG51 AYC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
17 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 BMW 3 Series (AG51 AYC) between February 2006 and April 2018.
The record contains 13 passes and 4 failures.
The most recent test on 03 April 2018 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 4 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (6 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)”; “Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)”; “Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)”.
AG51 AYC Mileage History
- 23/02/200666,568 mi
- 19/02/200785,687 mi+19,119 mi
- 21/02/200785,695 mi+8 mi
- 15/02/200892,465 mi+6,770 mi
- 28/02/200995,983 mi+3,518 mi
- 01/03/2010100,338 mi+4,355 mi
- 19/02/2011104,348 mi+4,010 mi
- 25/02/2012109,445 mi+5,097 mi
- 02/03/2013112,890 mi+3,445 mi
- 02/03/2013112,890 mi
- 28/02/2014117,404 mi+4,514 mi
- 06/03/2015122,473 mi+5,069 mi
- 20/02/2016126,797 mi+4,324 mi
- 17/02/2017154,405 mi+27,608 mi
- 17/02/2017154,405 mi
- 03/04/2018174,732 mi+20,327 mi
- 03/04/2018174,732 mi
Average of roughly 8,934 miles per year across 17 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW 3 Series (E46)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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BMW 3 SERIES Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2002 model year cars.
- Rear Subframe CrackingSerious
The rear floor can tear where the subframe mounts attach to the shell, especially on early cars and six-cylinder manuals. Ignoring it risks major structural damage.
- Cooling System OverhaulSerious
Expansion tanks, radiators, thermostats, and plastic-impeller-era water pumps fail with age. One overheating event can ruin the alloy straight-six.
- VANOS Seal WearModerate
The VANOS seals harden with age, flattening low-end torque and making the engine feel lethargic or uneven through the mid-range.
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