2002 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · TR02 BYE
2002 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 06 Sept 2002. Recorded mileage 88,585 miles. MOT valid until 12 Sept 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2002
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 12 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 88,585 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.
TR02 BYE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 05/09/2026
- 88,585 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
TR02 BYE 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 2002 BMW 3 Series (TR02 BYE) between August 2022 and September 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 4 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 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.
TR02 BYE Mileage History
- 11/08/202285,639 mi
- 19/08/202385,817 mi+178 mi
- 14/09/202486,662 mi+845 mi
- 06/09/202587,604 mi+942 mi
- 05/09/202688,585 mi+981 mi
Average of roughly 724 miles per year across 5 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: 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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (TR02 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as TR02BYE.
MERCEDES-BENZ
C
FORD
RANGER
SEAT
IBIZA ANNIVRSARY LTD ED ECOTSI
RENAULT
ARKANA ESPIRT ALPNE ETCH HEV A
SUZUKI
SWIFT SZ-T DUALJET SHVS
VOLKSWAGEN
TRANSPORTER
MINI
MINI
JAGUAR
F-TYPE FIRST EDITION I4 AUTO
AUDI
A5
AUDI
Q7 SLN VOR 55 TFSI MHEV QUAT A
PEUGEOT
208 ALLURE PURETECH S/S
AUDI
A3 SPORT TDI
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.