2002 BMW 3 Series 2.2L Petrol · RX52 NKW
2002 BMW 3 Series (2.2L, petrol). First registered 25 Sept 2002. Recorded mileage 175,457 miles. MOT valid until 03 Aug 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 03 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 175,457 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.2L
- 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.
RX52 NKW Key Findings
- 21 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 24/07/2026
- 175,457 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RX52 NKW 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 2002 BMW 3 Series (RX52 NKW) between November 2005 and July 2026.
The record contains 20 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 24 July 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 (14 issues), Tyres (11 issues), Suspension (9 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 34 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: “Brake performance not tested due to brake fluid leaking (1.2.1 (g))”; “Offside Front Road wheel fixing missing (5.2.1 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
RX52 NKW Mileage History
- 30/11/200540,281 mi
- 20/02/200747,376 mi+7,095 mi
- 09/09/200855,665 mi+8,289 mi
- 05/09/200958,831 mi+3,166 mi
- 21/10/201063,945 mi+5,114 mi
- 21/10/201171,784 mi+7,839 mi
- 22/10/201276,225 mi+4,441 mi
- 09/12/201377,387 mi+1,162 mi
- 28/11/201485,401 mi+8,014 mi
- 07/12/201594,301 mi+8,900 mi
- 09/12/2016102,941 mi+8,640 mi
- 02/12/2017115,434 mi+12,493 mi
- 01/12/2018133,041 mi+17,607 mi
- 30/11/2019149,424 mi+16,383 mi
- 30/11/2019149,424 mi
- 17/12/2020154,631 mi+5,207 mi
- 05/08/2022166,864 mi+12,233 mi
- 02/08/2023170,046 mi+3,182 mi
- 03/08/2024173,205 mi+3,159 mi
- 16/07/2025173,948 mi+743 mi
- 24/07/2026175,457 mi+1,509 mi
Average of roughly 6,547 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: 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 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.
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