2003 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · 37 JA
2003 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01/12/2003. Recorded mileage 56,776 miles. MOT valid until 17/11/2026. Taxed until 01/12/2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2003
- MOT Status
- Valid until 17/11/2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/12/2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 56,776 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 2003
- Engine
- 2494cc
37 JA Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 06/11/2025
- 56,776 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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37 JA Mileage History
- 18/11/202252,792 mi
- 13/11/202353,645 mi+853 mi
- 06/11/202455,418 mi+1,773 mi
- 06/11/202556,776 mi+1,358 mi
Average of roughly 1,342 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
37 JA MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 BMW 3 Series (37 JA) between November 2022 and November 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 5 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (4 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A potentially attractive option for a lo
Given the vehicle's age and the specific issues noted in the MOT history, your priority should be inspecting rubber components. The 2023 and 2024 MOTs both flagged deteriorated brake hoses on both the nearside and offside fronts, suggesting that while they were addressed, other aged hoses may be nearing the end of their service life.
Ask the seller for evidence of when the anti-roll bar linkage and brake hoses were last replaced, as these appeared as recurring defects in the 2022, 2023, and 2024 records. Because this is a 2.5L petrol engine, ensure you check for any signs of oil leaks around the gasket areas, which is a common area of interest for this era of BMW, though not explicitly stated in this MOT history.
Running costs for this 2494cc petrol engine will be higher than a standard small hatchback. Expect moderate to high fuel consumption, particularly in urban driving, and a higher insurance group typical of a 2.5L BMW engine.
Maintenance costs can fluctuate; while the low mileage suggests less frequent mechanical wear, rubber components like tyres and suspension bushings often perish due to age rather than distance. Budget for periodic replacement of braking components and suspension links, which have been highlighted in recent MOT tests.
Focus heavily on the suspension and braking systems. The MOT history specifically identifies 'severely deteriorated' anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers and 'slightly deteriorated' brake hoses. Check the condition of all rubber boots, hoses, and seals around the front axle to ensure no further deterioration is present.
Additionally, inspect the tyres. The 2022 MOT recorded a damaged sidewall on the nearside front tyre. Check the current tread depth and sidewall integrity on all four tyres to ensure they meet safety standards and haven't suffered similar damage.
This 2003 BMW 3 Series petrol model has covered significantly less mileage than the model average, with only 56,776 miles recorded as of November 2025. While the most recent MOT was passed without defects, the history from 2022 to 2024 shows consistent issues with brake hoses and anti-roll bar components. The vehicle represents a low-mileage example of a 2.5L petrol engine, though buyers should account for age-related rubber degradation.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 80.1% MOT pass rate, with common failures involving service brakes, headlamps, and exhaust systems.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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