2003 BMW 3 Series 2.9L Diesel · PF52 SVX
2003 BMW 3 Series (2.9L, diesel). First registered 02 Jan 2003. Recorded mileage 192,682 miles. MOT valid until 29 Jan 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 29 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 192,682 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.9L
- 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.
PF52 SVX Key Findings
- 24 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 26/01/2026
- 192,682 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 6 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
PF52 SVX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
24 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 BMW 3 Series (PF52 SVX) between March 2007 and January 2026.
The record contains 18 passes and 6 failures.
The most recent test on 26 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 6 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (16 issues), Suspension (13 issues), Tyres (9 issues), Lighting (8 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 41 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 Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)”; “Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)”; “Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)”.
PF52 SVX Mileage History
- 15/03/200767,218 mi
- 10/06/200875,021 mi+7,803 mi
- 08/06/200980,170 mi+5,149 mi
- 29/06/201088,816 mi+8,646 mi
- 08/06/201197,077 mi+8,261 mi
- 19/07/2012108,777 mi+11,700 mi
- 21/06/2013117,226 mi+8,449 mi
- 21/06/2013117,226 mi
- 30/09/2014132,391 mi+15,165 mi
- 30/09/2014132,391 mi
- 27/10/2015143,858 mi+11,467 mi
- 13/01/2017153,532 mi+9,674 mi
- 16/01/2017153,532 mi
- 22/05/2018159,956 mi+6,424 mi
- 22/05/2018159,956 mi
- 18/06/2019162,533 mi+2,577 mi
- 29/01/2021168,107 mi+5,574 mi
- 13/01/2022173,338 mi+5,231 mi
- 19/01/2023178,690 mi+5,352 mi
- 19/01/2023178,690 mi
- 30/01/2024183,754 mi+5,064 mi
- 28/01/2025189,124 mi+5,370 mi
- 28/01/2025189,124 mi
- 26/01/2026192,682 mi+3,558 mi
Average of roughly 6,649 miles per year across 24 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 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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