2002 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · EA52 AEN
2002 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 10 Oct 2002. Recorded mileage 128,406 miles. MOT valid until 01 Sept 2027. Currently declared SORN. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Valid until 01 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 128,406 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
EA52 AEN Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/09/2026
- 128,406 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EA52 AEN MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 BMW M3 (EA52 AEN) between July 2023 and September 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 03 September 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (4 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 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: “Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))”; “Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))”.
EA52 AEN Mileage History
- 25/07/2023125,401 mi
- 30/07/2024126,319 mi+918 mi
- 28/07/2025126,735 mi+416 mi
- 13/08/2025126,769 mi+34 mi
- 03/09/2026128,406 mi+1,637 mi
Average of roughly 966 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
Known faults for BMW M3
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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.
Common Problems: BMW M3
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Cooling System Overhaul (E36 / E46)(Serious)
Older M3s share BMW's habit of treating expansion tanks, radiators, hoses, and water pumps as consumables. Overheating one can quickly become an engine rebuild conversation.
- Rear Subframe / Floor Cracking(Serious)
The rear floor can crack around the subframe mounts on hard-driven cars, especially E46 M3s. Proper reinforcement is the lasting fix.
- Rod Bearing Wear(Serious)
S54 and S65 cars are well known for rod-bearing wear, especially if oil changes have been stretched or the cars have seen regular track use. Left too long, the engine can destroy itself.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (EA52 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as EA52AEN.
BMW
530
MINI
MINI
VAUXHALL
VECTRA
VAUXHALL
VECTRA
VAUXHALL
ASTRA
VAUXHALL
ZAFIRA
MINI
MINI
MINI
MINI
MINI
MINI
BMW
3 SERIES
MINI
MINI
BMW
3 SERIES
BMW M3 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.
- Cooling System Overhaul (E36 / E46)Serious
Older M3s share BMW's habit of treating expansion tanks, radiators, hoses, and water pumps as consumables. Overheating one can quickly become an engine rebuild conversation.
- Rear Subframe / Floor CrackingSerious
The rear floor can crack around the subframe mounts on hard-driven cars, especially E46 M3s. Proper reinforcement is the lasting fix.
- Rod Bearing WearSerious
S54 and S65 cars are well known for rod-bearing wear, especially if oil changes have been stretched or the cars have seen regular track use. Left too long, the engine can destroy itself.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.