2002 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · KC52 LYH
2002 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Dec 2002. Recorded mileage 133,380 miles. MOT expired on 17 Nov 2016. 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 17 Nov 2016
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (30 Oct 2017)
- Recorded Mileage
- 133,380 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.5L
- 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.
KC52 LYH Key Findings
- 15 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 18/11/2015
- 133,380 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
KC52 LYH MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
15 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 BMW 3 Series (KC52 LYH) between January 2006 and November 2015.
The record contains 10 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 18 November 2015 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: Lighting (7 issues), Tyres (6 issues), Suspension (5 issues), Brakes (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 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 Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)”; “Offside Inner Rear Tyre has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)”.
KC52 LYH Mileage History
- 10/01/200658,052 mi
- 10/01/200658,052 mi
- 09/01/200777,921 mi+19,869 mi
- 09/01/200777,921 mi
- 21/12/200784,350 mi+6,429 mi
- 10/01/200993,911 mi+9,561 mi
- 15/12/2009104,107 mi+10,196 mi
- 22/01/2011115,674 mi+11,567 mi
- 19/01/2012118,141 mi+2,467 mi
- 06/08/2013127,191 mi+9,050 mi
- 06/08/2013127,191 mi
- 08/07/2014128,887 mi+1,696 mi
- 08/07/2014128,887 mi
- 18/11/2015133,380 mi+4,493 mi
- 18/11/2015133,380 mi
Average of roughly 7,644 miles per year across 15 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 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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