2002 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · CV02 VFD
2002 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2002. Recorded mileage 136,744 miles. MOT expired on 27 Jun 2023. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Swansea
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 27 Jun 2023
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 136,744 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 3.0L
- 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.
CV02 VFD Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 29/06/2022
- 136,744 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
CV02 VFD MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 BMW 3 Series (CV02 VFD) between June 2022 and June 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 29 June 2022 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 (3 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 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: “Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm both rears (5.2.3 (e))”; “Brake pad(s) worn down to wear indicator (1.1.13 (a) (i))”; “Front Headlamp aim too low both (4.1.2 (a))”.
CV02 VFD Mileage History
- 22/06/2022136,712 mi
- 29/06/2022136,744 mi+32 mi
Average of roughly 1,654 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and thorough mechan
Given the high mileage of 136,744 miles, you should prioritize checking the service history for evidence of major component replacements, particularly regarding the engine and drivetrain. Because the 2022 MOT failure did not specify the defect, it is vital to ask the seller exactly what caused the failure and how it was rectified.
When negotiating, consider the age of the vehicle; rubber components and seals on a 24-year-old car are prone to perishing regardless of mileage. Ensure you check for any signs of fluid leaks around the 2979cc engine and verify that the vehicle has been taxed and insured appropriately for its displacement.
Running costs for this 3 Series will be relatively high due to the large 3.0L petrol engine. Expect higher-than-average fuel consumption compared to modern equivalents, and the tax band will reflect the engine size.
Maintenance costs should be budgeted for higher than average, as parts for older BMW models can be more expensive. Typical annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance, are estimated to be substantial for a vehicle of this era.
Focus your inspection on the areas identified as common failure points for this model across the wider dataset: tyres, shock absorbers, and drive shaft joints. Even if the 2022 MOT was a pass, these components are wear-and-tear items that may be nearing the end of their life given the recorded mileage.
Check the underside of the silver bodywork for any signs of corrosion and inspect the suspension components for play. Given the engine size, also check for any signs of oil weeping or cooling system issues which are common in high-mileage petrol engines.
This 2002 BMW 3 Series features a large 2.9L petrol engine and has covered 136,744 miles as of its last recorded MOT in June 2022. The mileage is significantly higher than the model average of 7,248 miles per year, which is expected for a vehicle of this age. Recent MOT history shows a failure in June 2022 followed by a pass one week later, though no specific defect details were recorded for that failure.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 80.2% MOT pass rate, with common failures occurring in tyres, shock absorbers, and drive shaft joints.
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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