2003 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · MV53 LNA
2003 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 140,401 miles. MOT expired on 28 Oct 2013. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 28 Oct 2013
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Aug 2013)
- Recorded Mileage
- 140,401 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.
MV53 LNA Key Findings
- 12 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 29/10/2012
- 140,401 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MV53 LNA MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
12 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 BMW 3 Series (MV53 LNA) between September 2006 and October 2012.
The record contains 7 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 29 October 2012 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: Tyres (8 issues), Suspension (8 issues), Brakes (7 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 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 Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)”; “Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)”; “Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)”.
MV53 LNA Mileage History
- 25/09/200659,427 mi
- 23/10/200784,060 mi+24,633 mi
- 03/01/200885,868 mi+1,808 mi
- 12/02/2009105,552 mi+19,684 mi
- 21/02/2009105,669 mi+117 mi
- 07/09/2009113,890 mi+8,221 mi
- 11/09/2009113,891 mi+1 mi
- 23/09/2010120,734 mi+6,843 mi
- 06/08/2011125,538 mi+4,804 mi
- 15/08/2011125,602 mi+64 mi
- 29/10/2012140,401 mi+14,799 mi
- 29/10/2012140,401 mi
Average of roughly 13,286 miles per year across 12 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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