2003 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Petrol · WJ53 RAU
2003 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 98,419 miles. MOT expired on 05 May 2017. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Exeter
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 05 May 2017
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 98,419 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.
WJ53 RAU Key Findings
- 12 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 06/05/2016
- 98,419 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
WJ53 RAU 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 (WJ53 RAU) between October 2006 and May 2016.
The record contains 10 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 06 May 2016 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (7 issues), Suspension (5 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Steering (1 issue). 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: “Offside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of ”; “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of”; “Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement rear (2.4.G.2)”.
WJ53 RAU Mileage History
- 04/10/200629,570 mi
- 28/09/200735,719 mi+6,149 mi
- 24/09/200842,520 mi+6,801 mi
- 29/09/200951,378 mi+8,858 mi
- 30/09/200951,378 mi
- 29/09/201058,994 mi+7,616 mi
- 08/10/201167,134 mi+8,140 mi
- 10/11/201275,689 mi+8,555 mi
- 26/03/201484,009 mi+8,320 mi
- 19/03/201591,716 mi+7,707 mi
- 03/05/201698,371 mi+6,655 mi
- 06/05/201698,419 mi+48 mi
Average of roughly 7,181 miles per year across 12 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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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