2003 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Petrol · FG03 XBW
2003 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2003. Recorded mileage 90,415 miles. MOT expired on 17 Mar 2018. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 17 Mar 2018
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 90,415 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.0L
- 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.
FG03 XBW Key Findings
- 17 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 03/03/2017
- 90,415 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
FG03 XBW 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 2003 BMW 3 Series (FG03 XBW) between February 2006 and March 2017.
The record contains 12 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 03 March 2017 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 5 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (18 issues), Tyres (9 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 29 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: “Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)”; “Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)”; “Offside Front Headlamp aim not tested (1.8.A.1c)”.
FG03 XBW Mileage History
- 24/02/200622,680 mi
- 12/02/200729,072 mi+6,392 mi
- 15/02/200835,923 mi+6,851 mi
- 13/02/200942,266 mi+6,343 mi
- 17/02/200942,297 mi+31 mi
- 18/02/201048,552 mi+6,255 mi
- 22/02/201155,638 mi+7,086 mi
- 16/02/201261,955 mi+6,317 mi
- 16/02/201261,955 mi
- 15/03/201367,000 mi+5,045 mi
- 18/03/201367,003 mi+3 mi
- 07/03/201472,187 mi+5,184 mi
- 07/03/201472,187 mi
- 04/03/201578,371 mi+6,184 mi
- 19/02/201683,819 mi+5,448 mi
- 03/03/201790,415 mi+6,596 mi
- 03/03/201790,415 mi
Average of roughly 6,147 miles per year across 17 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 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 2003 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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