2003 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Petrol · RF03 YZM
2003 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, petrol). First registered 17 Jun 2003. Recorded mileage 123,592 miles. MOT expired on 11 Jan 2024.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 11 Jan 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 123,592 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- 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.
RF03 YZM Key Findings
- 21 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/01/2023
- 123,592 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RF03 YZM MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
21 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 BMW 3 Series (RF03 YZM) between June 2006 and January 2023.
The record contains 17 passes and 4 failures.
The most recent test on 10 January 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 4 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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 Brake pipe excessively corroded at rear (1.1.11 (c))”; “Offside Brake pipe excessively corroded at rear (1.1.11 (c))”; “Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”.
RF03 YZM Mileage History
- 05/06/200624,165 mi
- 05/06/200624,165 mi
- 11/07/200732,075 mi+7,910 mi
- 01/07/200837,155 mi+5,080 mi
- 02/07/200943,153 mi+5,998 mi
- 03/07/200943,156 mi+3 mi
- 06/07/201048,940 mi+5,784 mi
- 28/06/201154,557 mi+5,617 mi
- 28/07/201260,172 mi+5,615 mi
- 09/07/201363,926 mi+3,754 mi
- 01/07/201471,554 mi+7,628 mi
- 30/07/201587,602 mi+16,048 mi
- 02/06/201692,830 mi+5,228 mi
- 30/05/201796,769 mi+3,939 mi
- 03/06/201796,821 mi+52 mi
- 03/05/201899,074 mi+2,253 mi
- 21/06/2019109,170 mi+10,096 mi
- 24/06/2019109,170 mi
- 14/12/2020115,824 mi+6,654 mi
- 12/01/2022119,610 mi+3,786 mi
- 10/01/2023123,592 mi+3,982 mi
Average of roughly 5,989 miles per year across 21 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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