2002 BMW 3 Series 2.2L Petrol · LA02 OAU
2002 BMW 3 Series (2.2L, petrol). First registered 22 Jul 2002. Recorded mileage 76,790 miles. MOT valid until 16 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Stanmore (North London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 16 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 76,790 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.2L
- 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.
LA02 OAU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/12/2025
- 76,790 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LA02 OAU 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 2002 BMW 3 Series (LA02 OAU) between October 2023 and December 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 17 December 2025 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: Lighting (4 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 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 Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))”; “Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))”.
LA02 OAU Mileage History
- 24/10/202356,464 mi
- 25/10/202356,468 mi+4 mi
- 13/11/202463,564 mi+7,096 mi
- 16/12/202576,785 mi+13,221 mi
- 17/12/202576,790 mi+5 mi
Average of roughly 9,454 miles per year across 5 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: 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 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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