2003 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · GM03 HVV
2003 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2003. Recorded mileage 137,054 miles. MOT expired on 20 Aug 2018. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Maidstone
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 20 Aug 2018
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (24 Feb 2016)
- Recorded Mileage
- 137,054 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 3.0L
- 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.
GM03 HVV Key Findings
- 17 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 21/08/2017
- 137,054 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
GM03 HVV 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 (GM03 HVV) between March 2006 and August 2017.
The record contains 13 passes and 4 failures.
The most recent test on 21 August 2017 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: Tyres (17 issues), Brakes (11 issues), Suspension (7 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 27 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)”; “Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick both (3.5.1g)”; “Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm both (4.1.E.1)”.
GM03 HVV Mileage History
- 28/03/200657,734 mi
- 30/10/200659,209 mi+1,475 mi
- 18/12/200776,809 mi+17,600 mi
- 05/03/200986,924 mi+10,115 mi
- 24/09/200989,219 mi+2,295 mi
- 05/03/201093,087 mi+3,868 mi
- 05/03/201093,087 mi
- 24/01/2011100,341 mi+7,254 mi
- 14/02/2011100,560 mi+219 mi
- 16/07/2012109,138 mi+8,578 mi
- 23/07/2013115,884 mi+6,746 mi
- 24/07/2013115,918 mi+34 mi
- 09/08/2014122,501 mi+6,583 mi
- 09/08/2014122,502 mi+1 mi
- 10/08/2015127,767 mi+5,265 mi
- 15/08/2017137,054 mi+9,287 mi
- 21/08/2017137,054 mi
Average of roughly 6,958 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 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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