2002 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · GX52 AFE
2002 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 12 Sept 2002. Recorded mileage 144,181 miles. MOT valid until 29 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Canterbury
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 29 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 144,181 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
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.
GX52 AFE Key Findings
- 26 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 27/11/2025
- 144,181 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 6 historical MOT failures
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (15 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
GX52 AFE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
26 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 BMW 3 Series (GX52 AFE) between August 2006 and November 2025.
The record contains 20 passes and 6 failures.
The most recent test on 27 November 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 6 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (15 issues), Tyres (11 issues), Brakes (11 issues), Windscreen (5 issues), Bodywork (5 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 46 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: “Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))”; “Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Front Headlamp levelling device inoperative (4.1.5 (a))”.
GX52 AFE Mileage History
- 29/08/200617,027 mi
- 25/08/200722,782 mi+5,755 mi
- 16/08/200831,074 mi+8,292 mi
- 25/08/200941,299 mi+10,225 mi
- 01/09/201044,973 mi+3,674 mi
- 25/08/201153,442 mi+8,469 mi
- 10/08/201264,117 mi+10,675 mi
- 22/08/201374,555 mi+10,438 mi
- 20/08/201479,096 mi+4,541 mi
- 20/08/201479,099 mi+3 mi
- 26/08/201585,404 mi+6,305 mi
- 26/08/201691,582 mi+6,178 mi
- 27/10/2017103,729 mi+12,147 mi
- 16/11/2018112,856 mi+9,127 mi
- 16/11/2018112,856 mi
- 15/11/2019121,219 mi+8,363 mi
- 15/11/2019121,219 mi
- 09/11/2020125,884 mi+4,665 mi
- 09/11/2020125,884 mi
- 03/11/2021130,247 mi+4,363 mi
- 30/11/2022133,631 mi+3,384 mi
- 31/10/2023136,751 mi+3,120 mi
- 31/10/2023136,751 mi
- 25/11/2024140,289 mi+3,538 mi
- 25/11/2024140,289 mi
- 27/11/2025144,181 mi+3,892 mi
Average of roughly 6,607 miles per year across 26 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: Good
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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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2002 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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