2003 BMW 325 2.5L Petrol · WL03 XZP

The 2003 BMW 325 presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 25 February 2026 at 80,391 miles with zero defects recorded. That result marks a significant turnaround from the two consecutive failures in February 2024 and February 2025, both of which flagged a supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault. The SRS lamp appeared on the 10 February 2025 failure at 71,889 miles and again on the 28 February 2024 failure at 65,472 miles, yet it was absent from the 29 February 2024 retest and has not reappeared since. This pattern suggests the airbag or seatbelt pretensioner circuit fault was diagnosed and rectified rather than simply cleared temporarily. The recurring rear direction indicator discolouration advisories, noted across three separate tests between 2024 and 2025, are cosmetic and minor, relating to lens condition rather than electrical function. The mileage profile tells a story of very light use. At roughly 3,495 miles per year over 23 years, this is well below the UK average. The jump from 65,472 miles in February 2024 to 71,889 miles by February 2025 represents approximately 6,417 miles in twelve months, a notable spike compared to the longer-term average. However, the subsequent period from February 2025 to February 2026 saw only 8,496 miles added, which is more consistent with the vehicle's overall low-use character. No gaps appear in the annual test record, confirming continuous MOT coverage and giving confidence that the mileage progression is genuine rather than indicative of a rolled-back odometer. A buyer should still approach this car with the scrutiny any 23-year-old BMW demands. The repeated SRS lamp history, now resolved on paper, warrants a diagnostic scan to confirm no stored fault codes remain in the restraint system module. The fuel cap sealing defect flagged in February 2025 should be verified as properly repaired, since a replacement cap or seal is inexpensive but an unresolved evaporative emission fault can cause persistent running issues. Given the low mileage and age, rubber suspension bushes, coil springs, and exhaust mounting points deserve close inspection for perishing from age rather than wear. Brake calipers and discs should be checked for binding or corrosion from standing periods, a common issue on lightly used vehicles. The underbody and sills need thorough examination for structural corrosion, as BMW 3 Series models of this era are susceptible to rust in inner wings, jacking points, and rear subframe mounting areas. Tyre age matters as much as tread depth here; even with low mileage, original or aged rubber from 2024 advisories may now require replacement if the sidewalls show cracking.