2003 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · MOD 111J
2003 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2003. Recorded mileage 81,346 miles. MOT valid until 02 Sept 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 02 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 81,346 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.
MOD 111J Key Findings
- 26 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 04/09/2026
- 81,346 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOD 111J 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 (MOD 111J) between February 2006 and September 2026.
The record contains 21 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 04 September 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 5 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (28 issues), Suspension (9 issues), Tyres (7 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 42 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: “Nearside Front brake caliper has restricted free movement (3.5.1k)”; “Nearside Rear coil spring fractured (2.4.C.1a)”.
MOD 111J Mileage History
- 16/02/200618,104 mi
- 19/02/200725,384 mi+7,280 mi
- 19/02/200725,384 mi
- 21/02/200832,920 mi+7,536 mi
- 09/02/200938,882 mi+5,962 mi
- 10/02/201043,678 mi+4,796 mi
- 22/02/201148,014 mi+4,336 mi
- 21/02/201252,136 mi+4,122 mi
- 19/02/201355,561 mi+3,425 mi
- 17/02/201462,250 mi+6,689 mi
- 16/02/201565,481 mi+3,231 mi
- 17/02/201565,481 mi
- 25/02/201670,103 mi+4,622 mi
- 14/02/201772,761 mi+2,658 mi
- 06/02/201874,333 mi+1,572 mi
- 12/02/201975,424 mi+1,091 mi
- 19/02/202077,102 mi+1,678 mi
- 16/02/202177,592 mi+490 mi
- 16/02/202177,592 mi
- 17/06/202277,944 mi+352 mi
- 16/06/202378,519 mi+575 mi
- 16/06/202378,519 mi
- 13/06/202479,178 mi+659 mi
- 27/05/202579,548 mi+370 mi
- 27/05/202579,548 mi
- 04/09/202681,346 mi+1,798 mi
Average of roughly 3,078 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: 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 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.
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