2002 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · VU52 EXE
2002 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2002. Recorded mileage 153,406 miles. MOT expired on 25 Sept 2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Worcester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 25 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 153,406 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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VU52 EXE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 21/09/2026
- 153,406 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
VU52 EXE 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 (VU52 EXE) between September 2024 and September 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 21 September 2026 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (8 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 16 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: “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))”; “Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))”; “Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”.
VU52 EXE Mileage History
- 11/09/2024139,362 mi
- 12/09/2024139,362 mi
- 10/09/2025146,099 mi+6,737 mi
- 11/09/2025146,105 mi+6 mi
- 21/09/2026153,406 mi+7,301 mi
Average of roughly 6,931 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: 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.
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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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