2003 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · ET53 CHZ
2003 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 19 Dec 2003. Recorded mileage 136,758 miles. MOT expired on 25 Sept 2023.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 25 Sept 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 136,758 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
ET53 CHZ Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 26/09/2022
- 136,758 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
ET53 CHZ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 BMW 3 Series (ET53 CHZ) between November 2021 and September 2022.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 26 September 2022 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
ET53 CHZ Mileage History
- 18/11/2021133,989 mi
- 22/09/2022136,756 mi+2,767 mi
- 26/09/2022136,758 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 3,242 miles per year across 3 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: Below Average
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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