2002 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · PJ52 NLX
2002 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Dec 2002. Recorded mileage 153,229 miles. MOT expired on 18 Oct 2020. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 18 Oct 2020
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (03 Mar 2020)
- Recorded Mileage
- 153,229 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.5L
- 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.
PJ52 NLX Key Findings
- 22 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 19/10/2019
- 153,229 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 8 historical MOT failures
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
PJ52 NLX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
22 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 BMW 3 Series (PJ52 NLX) between December 2005 and October 2019.
The record contains 14 passes and 8 failures.
The most recent test on 19 October 2019 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 8 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (28 issues), Tyres (21 issues), Lighting (7 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 55 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 Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))”; “Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))”; “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn drop link (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
PJ52 NLX Mileage History
- 21/12/200549,090 mi
- 13/12/200662,119 mi+13,029 mi
- 18/12/200662,322 mi+203 mi
- 17/12/200771,112 mi+8,790 mi
- 17/12/200771,112 mi
- 16/12/200880,269 mi+9,157 mi
- 23/12/200987,343 mi+7,074 mi
- 21/12/201095,358 mi+8,015 mi
- 28/11/2011100,962 mi+5,604 mi
- 29/11/2011100,962 mi
- 12/12/2012106,833 mi+5,871 mi
- 12/12/2012106,833 mi
- 18/12/2013112,289 mi+5,456 mi
- 17/12/2014121,036 mi+8,747 mi
- 05/08/2016128,380 mi+7,344 mi
- 04/08/2017137,274 mi+8,894 mi
- 11/08/2017137,293 mi+19 mi
- 11/08/2017137,294 mi+1 mi
- 16/08/2018143,456 mi+6,162 mi
- 17/08/2018143,468 mi+12 mi
- 19/10/2019153,229 mi+9,761 mi
- 19/10/2019153,229 mi
Average of roughly 7,532 miles per year across 22 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: Poor
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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (PJ52 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as PJ52NLX.
MERCEDES-BENZ
E
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLK
MERCEDES-BENZ
CLK
MINI
MINI
MINI
MINI
BMW
525
AUDI
A6
FORD
FOCUS
FORD
FIESTA
FORD
FOCUS
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
VOLKSWAGEN
POLO
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.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.