2002 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · BM02 AEM
2002 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 25 Oct 2002. Recorded mileage 100,191 miles. MOT valid until 16 Sept 2027. Taxed until 01 Mar 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 16 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Mar 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 100,191 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.
BM02 AEM Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 15/09/2026
- 100,191 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (13 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
BM02 AEM 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 2002 BMW 3 Series (BM02 AEM) between September 2022 and September 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 21 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (13 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 21 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.
BM02 AEM Mileage History
- 15/09/202295,500 mi
- 01/09/202396,303 mi+803 mi
- 23/08/202496,872 mi+569 mi
- 08/09/202597,661 mi+789 mi
- 15/09/2026100,191 mi+2,530 mi
Average of roughly 1,173 miles per year across 5 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: 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.
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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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