2003 BMW 316 1.8L Petrol · AE03 DEC
2003 BMW 316 (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2003. Recorded mileage 87,436 miles. MOT valid until 28 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 Oct 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 316
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Peterborough
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 28 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Oct 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 87,436 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.8L
- 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.
AE03 DEC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 08/07/2026
- 87,436 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
AE03 DEC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 BMW 316 (AE03 DEC) between September 2024 and July 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 08 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Tyres (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 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.
AE03 DEC Mileage History
- 09/09/202476,653 mi
- 10/02/202577,759 mi+1,106 mi
- 10/02/202577,759 mi
- 30/07/202581,074 mi+3,315 mi
- 08/07/202687,436 mi+6,362 mi
Average of roughly 5,904 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2003 BMW 316 presents a generally clean recent MOT history with remarkably low mileage for its age. Buyers should note the curious dual test record in February 2005—wait, February 2025—which involved a test failure followed immediately by a pass on the same day.
When inspecting this 2003 BMW 316, examine the physical documentation carefully to cross-reference the odd occurrence on 10th February 2025, where the car recorded both a fail and a pass on the exact same day. Because MOT records do not confirm mechanical condition or servicing beyond the test itself, ensure you verify an independent service record and check for any underlying fluid leaks from the 1.79-litre petrol engine. Negotiate based on any upcoming maintenance requirements that standard MOT inspections do not cover, such as timing chain checks and suspension component wear.
Fuel economy for the 1796.0cc petrol engine in the E46-generation 3 Series is moderate by modern standards, typically returning around 35-40 mpg on mixed driving cycles. Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for a 2003 petrol car falls into standard UK tax brackets based on engine size or emissions, while insurance will depend on your personal profile but generally sits within a manageable group for a 316 variant. Maintenance costs should account for common model weak points like suspension arms and headlamp alignment, keeping typical annual outlays moderate.
Pay close attention to common BMW E46 trouble spots, specifically focusing on suspension arms, steering components, and headlamp units, which rank among the top MOT failure reasons for this model family. Although the recent tests from late 2024 and 2025 show no advisory notes or defects, check the condition of all four tyres and inspect the auxiliary lighting systems thoroughly. Verify that all electrical features inside the cabin function correctly and that the bodywork around the arches shows no hidden corrosion.
First registered in March 2003, this red petrol-powered BMW 316 with a 1796.0cc engine has recorded 81,074 miles as of July 2025. It shows four passes and one failure across its recent MOT history from 2023 to 2025. With an average annual mileage tracking well below the model norm for its age, it represents a preserved example of an older generation 3 Series.
The BMW 3 Series model family has an aggregate MOT pass rate of 78.9% across nearly 15,000 analysed vehicles, indicating solid baseline durability for well-kept examples.
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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