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Official DVLA Record
Outstanding Recall

2003 BMW 3 Series 2.9L Diesel · MJ03 ABU

MJ03 ABU

2003 BMW 3 Series (2.9L, diesel). First registered 16 May 2003. Recorded mileage 172,462 miles. MOT expired on 15 Oct 2024. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.

Make & Model
BMW 3 SERIES
Year / Origin
2003 · Manchester & Merseyside
Safety Recall
Recall Notice
MOT Status
Expired on 15 Oct 2024
Road Tax
Untaxed (01 Oct 2024)
Recorded Mileage
172,462 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
Diesel · 2.9L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults

Outstanding Safety Recall Notice

Action Required

Official 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.

MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 15 Oct 2024
Tax Status
Untaxed
Tax due 01 Oct 2024
Fuel Type
Diesel
Year
2003
Engine
2926cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle presents a stable roadworthiness profile based on a clean MOT history over the last several years. The most recent test conducted in October 2023 at 172,462 miles passed with no recorded defects or advisories, indicating that the previous owner maintained the safety and emission components to a passing standard. While a failure occurred in early October 2021, the immediate pass on the same day suggests the issue was minor and rectified quickly rather than being indicative of chronic mechanical neglect. The mileage pattern is consistent with a 23-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,500 miles per annum. Between October 2020 and October 2023, the car covered 34,473 miles, representing a steady usage rate of roughly 11,500 miles per year during that period. This suggests the vehicle has not suffered from long of standing but has also avoided the excessive wear associated with high mileage. The lack of advisories across the last three tests suggests that the chassis and mechanical assemblies have remained in good condition despite the age. Given the absence of recorded advisories in the history, a buyer should focus their physical inspection on common age-related wear points that the MOT does not always capture. Prioritize checking for structural corrosion on the rear subframe and mounting points, as these often degrade on older BMW before failing inspection. You should also inspect the condition of the suspension bushes and rubber boots for cracking, as the clean record does not guarantee the state of non-metallic components. Checking for any oil leaks around the engine and cooling system is also advisable to ensure the high-mileage drivetrain remains as sound as the paperwork suggests.
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MJ03 ABU Key Findings

  • 2 MOT tests recorded
  • Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
  • Latest MOT passed on 17/10/2023
  • 172,462 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring tyres items (5 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

MJ03 ABU MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 8 Oct 2026, 09:52
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 BMW 3 Series (MJ03 ABU) between October 2022 and October 2023.

The record contains 2 passes and 0 failures.

The record shows no MOT failures, although 11 advisory notices note items to monitor.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (5 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 11 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.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

MJ03 ABU Mileage History

  1. 17/10/2022157,995 mi
  2. 17/10/2023172,462 mi+14,467 mi

Average of roughly 14,482 miles per year across 2 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges
Recall Notice Outstanding

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
55
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

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.

MOT Expired or Failed
Taxed
Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
Older vehicle
Outstanding recall notice
Experian Provenance Check

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Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

Comprehensive register checks across Experian, MIAFTR, Police National Computer, and DVLA records.

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

Checks Experian asset registers to identify any active PCP, HP, or loan agreements.

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Agreements & Lender Search: [Check to Reveal]
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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

Checks the UK insurance total loss register for Category A, B, S, or N write-offs.

MIAFTR Insurance Database: [Query Required]
Write-Off Category & Date: [Check to Reveal]
MIAFTR Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

Searches the UK Police National Computer (PNC) for active stolen vehicle reports.

Police National Computer: [Query Required]
Active Stolen Marker Search: [Check to Reveal]
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SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

Cross-checks major UK salvage databases to identify if this vehicle has ever been listed in a salvage auction.

Salvage Auction Registries: [Query Required]
Trade Auction Disposal Lots: [Check to Reveal]
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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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Import & Prior VRM Register: [Query Required]
Country of Origin Audit: [Check to Reveal]
Import Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

Customs & Export Register: [Query Required]
UK Road Eligibility Marker: [Check to Reveal]
Export Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

Scrappage & ATF Register: [Query Required]
Disposal Notification Check: [Check to Reveal]
Scrappage Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

Certificate of Destruction Register: [Query Required]
Statutory Scrapping Decrees: [Check to Reveal]
Destruction Register:QUERY REQUIRED
CHECK REQUIRED

V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

Audits number of registered keepers and latest V5C logbook issue date.

DVLA Logbook Issue Date: [Query Required]
Previous Keepers Count: [Check to Reveal]
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