2002 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Petrol · KC51 YWU
2002 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Feb 2002. Recorded mileage 98,148 miles. MOT expired on 18 Feb 2021. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Borehamwood (Luton)
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 18 Feb 2021
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (30 Sept 2020)
- Recorded Mileage
- 98,148 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.
KC51 YWU Key Findings
- 16 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 10/02/2020
- 98,148 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
KC51 YWU MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
16 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 BMW 3 Series (KC51 YWU) between February 2006 and February 2020.
The record contains 15 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 10 February 2020 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: Brakes (15 issues), Tyres (8 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 28 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 Rear coil spring incomplete (2.4.C.1a)”.
KC51 YWU Mileage History
- 06/02/200650,123 mi
- 30/01/200756,248 mi+6,125 mi
- 04/02/200860,763 mi+4,515 mi
- 26/01/200963,878 mi+3,115 mi
- 06/02/201065,505 mi+1,627 mi
- 04/02/201170,620 mi+5,115 mi
- 07/02/201274,434 mi+3,814 mi
- 07/02/201379,424 mi+4,990 mi
- 07/02/201379,434 mi+10 mi
- 04/02/201484,149 mi+4,715 mi
- 04/02/201586,541 mi+2,392 mi
- 08/02/201688,556 mi+2,015 mi
- 06/02/201790,903 mi+2,347 mi
- 12/02/201893,488 mi+2,585 mi
- 13/02/201995,732 mi+2,244 mi
- 10/02/202098,148 mi+2,416 mi
Average of roughly 3,428 miles per year across 16 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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (KC51 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as KC51YWU.
VAUXHALL
ASTRA
VAUXHALL
ASTRA
VAUXHALL
GRANDLAND
SEAT
MII
VAUXHALL
CORSA
FORD
TRANSIT CUSTOM 300 SPORT EBLUE
FORD
KUGA ST-LINE X EDITION ECOBLUE
LAND ROVER
RANGE ROVER
VAUXHALL
OMEGA
PEUGEOT
EXPERT PROFESSIONAL L1 BLUEHDI
AUDI
A4
MERCEDES-BENZ
GLE
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.
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.