2003 BMW 3 Series 2.9L Diesel · WP52 WSW
2003 BMW 3 Series (2.9L, diesel). First registered 17 Jan 2003. Recorded mileage 179,767 miles. MOT expired on 26 Sept 2023.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Bristol
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 26 Sept 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 179,767 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
WP52 WSW Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 07/09/2022
- 179,767 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
WP52 WSW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 BMW 3 Series (WP52 WSW) between September 2022 and September 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 07 September 2022 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: Tyres (4 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (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.
Recorded failure items include: “Central Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases joint (6.1.2 (a))”; “Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced inner wheel arch/sill (7.1”; “Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced sill (jacking point) (7.1”.
WP52 WSW Mileage History
- 02/09/2022179,767 mi
- 07/09/2022179,767 mi
Average of roughly 0 miles per year across 2 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 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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