2003 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Petrol · EK03 VTF
2003 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, petrol). First registered 29 Mar 2003. Recorded mileage 120,820 miles. MOT expired on 22 Jan 2024. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 22 Jan 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 120,820 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 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.
EK03 VTF Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 23/01/2023
- 120,820 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EK03 VTF 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 (EK03 VTF) between December 2021 and January 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 23 January 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
EK03 VTF Mileage History
- 14/12/2021115,790 mi
- 20/12/2021115,801 mi+11 mi
- 09/01/2023120,820 mi+5,019 mi
- 23/01/2023120,820 mi
Average of roughly 4,537 miles per year across 4 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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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 2003 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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