2003 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · G12 KAV
2003 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 15 Dec 2003. Recorded mileage 153,285 miles. MOT valid until 22 Feb 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Maidstone
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 22 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 153,285 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.
G12 KAV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 23/02/2026
- 153,285 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
G12 KAV 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 2003 BMW 3 Series (G12 KAV) between February 2024 and February 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 23 February 2026 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: Tyres (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 15 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 Rear Anti-roll bar linkage fractured (5.3.3 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Front Sound deadening material likely to become detached (8.1.1 (b) (ii))”.
G12 KAV Mileage History
- 16/02/2024134,588 mi
- 22/02/2024134,769 mi+181 mi
- 15/02/2025143,639 mi+8,870 mi
- 18/02/2025143,640 mi+1 mi
- 23/02/2026153,285 mi+9,645 mi
Average of roughly 9,252 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (G12K Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as G12KAV.
MERCEDES-BENZ
SLC
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLK
PEUGEOT
2008
MERCEDES-BENZ
E
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
SKODA
KAROQ SE DRIVE TSI S-A
AUDI
A5
MINI
MINI
MINI
COUNTRYMAN
ROVER
MINI
FORD
FIESTA
PEUGEOT
3008
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.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.