2003 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · OW03 KSX
2003 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 18 Mar 2003. Recorded mileage 95,491 miles. MOT valid until 07 Aug 2027. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Oxford
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Valid until 07 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 95,491 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.0L
- 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.
OW03 KSX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/08/2026
- 95,491 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
OW03 KSX 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 2003 BMW 3 Series (OW03 KSX) between July 2023 and August 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 03 August 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues). 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Headlamp light source and lamp not compatible (4.1.4 (c))”; “Nearside Headlamp light source and lamp not compatible (4.1.4 (c))”; “Front Service brake lagging in operation (1.2.1 (d))”.
OW03 KSX Mileage History
- 03/07/202393,361 mi
- 03/07/202393,361 mi
- 09/08/202494,550 mi+1,189 mi
- 28/07/202594,723 mi+173 mi
- 03/08/202695,491 mi+768 mi
Average of roughly 690 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: 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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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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