2003 BMW 3 Series 2.2L Petrol · TG03 AEG
2003 BMW 3 Series (2.2L, petrol). First registered 01 Jul 2003. Recorded mileage 142,720 miles. MOT valid until 19 Aug 2027. Taxed until 01 Aug 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2003
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 19 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Aug 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 142,720 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.
TG03 AEG Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 14/08/2026
- 142,720 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
TG03 AEG 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 (TG03 AEG) between August 2024 and August 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 14 August 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (5 issues), Tyres (4 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: “Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))”.
TG03 AEG Mileage History
- 08/08/2024139,650 mi
- 21/08/2024139,650 mi
- 05/08/2025142,045 mi+2,395 mi
- 13/08/2026142,720 mi+675 mi
- 14/08/2026142,720 mi
Average of roughly 1,524 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: Below 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution. While this vehicle
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system. You should verify whether the corroded brake pipes and hoses identified in August 2024 were fully replaced or merely repaired, as these are critical safety components. Ask for receipts for the work carried out to rectify the parking brake efficiency failure from August 2026.
Given the vehicle's age and the evidence of corrosion on the brake lines, check the rest of the underside for rust. Negotiate the price based on the high total mileage and the likelihood of further age-related components requiring replacement soon.
The 2171cc petrol engine will likely result in higher fuel costs compared to modern 3 Series models. Road tax will be based on the 2003 CO2 emissions standards for this engine size, and insurance groups for this era of BMW are typically moderate but can vary based on driver profile.
Maintenance costs are expected to be higher than average due to the vehicle's age and mileage. Regular servicing for a 20-year-old premium vehicle often involves replacing worn bushings, seals, and cooling system components to maintain roadworthiness.
Focus your inspection on the rear of the vehicle. Specifically, check the brake pipes and hoses for any signs of further corrosion or makeshift repairs, following the failures recorded in 2024. Test the parking brake to ensure it holds firmly, as it failed on efficiency just before its most recent pass.
Additionally, examine the tyre tread and wear patterns on the rear axle, as these were flagged as worn close to the legal limit in August 2024. Check for any leaks around the engine bay, which is common for petrol engines of this age and mileage.
This blue 2003 BMW 3 Series has recorded 142,720 miles. The MOT history is marked by significant braking system failures, including corroded brake pipes and hoses in 2024 and a parking brake efficiency failure in August 2026. It has been tested consistently, but the recurring nature of these faults suggests age-related wear.
This model has an average MOT pass rate of 80.0%, with service brake issues being one of the most common reasons for failure across the fleet.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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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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