2002 BMW 3 Series 2.2L Petrol · LX02 ALU

The vehicle presents as a roadworthy example with a stable maintenance trend over the last three years. The most recent test on February 16 2026 at 209,145 miles passed with no recorded defects, despite a failure just five days prior at 209,144 miles. This specific sequence suggests a minor administrative error or a trivial component adjustment that was rectified immediately, as the mileage difference between the fail and pass indicates the car was likely stationary during the repair period. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a 24-year-old German saloon, averaging approximately 8,700 miles per annum. Between February 2023 and February 2026, the car covered 24,990 miles, maintaining a steady usage of roughly 8,300 miles per year. The lack of long gaps between test dates suggests the vehicle has been used regularly, which is generally beneficial for the preservation of rubber seals, bushings, and braking components, preventing the type of corrosion often seen on vehicles of this age that sit for extended periods. While the MOT history is clean of recurring advisories, a buyer must focus on the high-mileage realities inherent to an E46 chassis of this age. A physical inspection should prioritize the front suspension control arm bushes and subframe tension bolts, which frequently perish at beyond 200,000 miles. The buyer should also check for structural integrity around the rear wheel arches, sills, and subframe, as the MOT only inspects for corrosion once it becomes a safety risk. Given the mileage, verifying the absence of oil leaks and the condition of the cooling system is essential to ensure the mechanical health matches the clean electronic record.