2002 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Petrol · NA52 LJZ
2002 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2002. Recorded mileage 94,656 miles. MOT expired on 17 May 2016. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 17 May 2016
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (31 Mar 2016)
- Recorded Mileage
- 94,656 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.
NA52 LJZ Key Findings
- 14 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 13/05/2015
- 94,656 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
NA52 LJZ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
14 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 BMW 3 Series (NA52 LJZ) between August 2005 and May 2015.
The record contains 11 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 13 May 2015 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 3 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (3 issues), Tyres (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 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: “Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)”; “Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)”; “Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a pin or bush of a lower wishbone inner bearing (2.5.B.1a)”.
NA52 LJZ Mileage History
- 05/08/200526,959 mi
- 16/05/200630,097 mi+3,138 mi
- 17/05/200630,097 mi
- 16/05/200742,989 mi+12,892 mi
- 14/05/200854,751 mi+11,762 mi
- 14/05/200854,751 mi
- 18/05/200965,452 mi+10,701 mi
- 14/05/201076,194 mi+10,742 mi
- 04/05/201183,247 mi+7,053 mi
- 09/05/201287,015 mi+3,768 mi
- 14/05/201389,614 mi+2,599 mi
- 14/05/201389,614 mi
- 01/05/201491,841 mi+2,227 mi
- 13/05/201594,656 mi+2,815 mi
Average of roughly 6,930 miles per year across 14 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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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