2005 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Diesel · CE55 XUL
2005 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, diesel). First registered 19 Sept 2005. Recorded mileage 182,600 miles. MOT expired on 03 Aug 2024. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 03 Aug 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 182,600 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 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.
CE55 XUL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 05/08/2023
- 182,600 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
CE55 XUL 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 2005 BMW 3 Series (CE55 XUL) between December 2021 and August 2023.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 05 August 2023 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: Lighting (10 issues), Suspension (3 issues). 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))”.
CE55 XUL Mileage History
- 29/12/2021163,624 mi
- 04/01/2022163,624 mi
- 03/01/2023175,901 mi+12,277 mi
- 10/01/2023175,901 mi
- 05/08/2023182,600 mi+6,699 mi
Average of roughly 11,864 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: 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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Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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- 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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