2003 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Diesel · HG53 LZR
2003 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, diesel). First registered 30 Oct 2003. Recorded mileage 216,086 miles. MOT expired on 30 Nov 2023.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Bournemouth
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 30 Nov 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 216,086 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.0L
- 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.
HG53 LZR Key Findings
- 26 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 05/12/2023
- 216,086 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 8 historical MOT failures
- 13 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (60 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
HG53 LZR 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 2003 BMW 3 Series (HG53 LZR) between October 2006 and December 2023.
The record contains 18 passes and 8 failures.
The most recent test on 05 December 2023 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (60 issues), Suspension (19 issues), Tyres (17 issues), Lighting (8 issues), Windscreen (5 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 91 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: “Front Brakes imbalanced across an axle by more than 50% Axle 1 (1.2.1 (b) (ii))”; “Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii))”; “Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))”.
HG53 LZR Mileage History
- 20/10/200634,608 mi
- 23/10/200747,470 mi+12,862 mi
- 08/10/200862,197 mi+14,727 mi
- 07/10/200975,283 mi+13,086 mi
- 25/10/201089,134 mi+13,851 mi
- 07/10/201196,873 mi+7,739 mi
- 09/10/2012109,342 mi+12,469 mi
- 28/10/2013122,344 mi+13,002 mi
- 28/10/2013122,344 mi
- 24/10/2014133,183 mi+10,839 mi
- 24/10/2014133,184 mi+1 mi
- 05/10/2015143,652 mi+10,468 mi
- 05/10/2015143,653 mi+1 mi
- 04/10/2016157,600 mi+13,947 mi
- 05/10/2016157,601 mi+1 mi
- 06/10/2016157,602 mi+1 mi
- 04/10/2017168,066 mi+10,464 mi
- 12/09/2018176,839 mi+8,773 mi
- 26/09/2019184,313 mi+7,474 mi
- 12/10/2020198,258 mi+13,945 mi
- 15/10/2020198,364 mi+106 mi
- 21/10/2021207,315 mi+8,951 mi
- 02/11/2021207,320 mi+5 mi
- 01/12/2022211,897 mi+4,577 mi
- 01/12/2022211,897 mi
- 05/12/2023216,086 mi+4,189 mi
Average of roughly 10,597 miles per year across 26 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: 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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (HG53 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as HG53LZR.
JAGUAR
XF
TOYOTA
HILUX
TOYOTA
COROLLA
TOYOTA
YARIS
TOYOTA
HILUX
TOYOTA
HILUX
FORD
TRANSIT CUSTOM 320LMTD EBLUE A
TOYOTA
HIACE
TOYOTA
DYNA
TOYOTA
HIACE
TOYOTA
YARIS
TOYOTA
HIACE
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.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.