2002 BMW 3 Series 2.9L Diesel · YP52 VAJ
2002 BMW 3 Series (2.9L, diesel). First registered 30 Oct 2002. Recorded mileage 117,476 miles. MOT expired on 07 Mar 2023.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Sheffield
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 07 Mar 2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 117,476 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.
YP52 VAJ Key Findings
- 24 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 08/03/2022
- 117,476 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 7 historical MOT failures
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (30 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
YP52 VAJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
24 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 BMW 3 Series (YP52 VAJ) between October 2005 and March 2022.
The record contains 17 passes and 7 failures.
The most recent test on 08 March 2022 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 7 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (30 issues), Tyres (19 issues), Steering (12 issues), Suspension (11 issues), Lighting (10 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 67 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: “Offside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural ”; “Nearside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural”; “Nearside Front Brake hose excessively deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))”.
YP52 VAJ Mileage History
- 25/10/200518,791 mi
- 18/10/200619,943 mi+1,152 mi
- 22/04/200820,191 mi+248 mi
- 21/04/200929,169 mi+8,978 mi
- 12/04/201037,707 mi+8,538 mi
- 15/04/201037,707 mi
- 05/04/201146,476 mi+8,769 mi
- 28/03/201256,140 mi+9,664 mi
- 25/04/201361,938 mi+5,798 mi
- 25/04/201361,938 mi
- 23/04/201466,332 mi+4,394 mi
- 07/04/201570,108 mi+3,776 mi
- 23/02/201676,145 mi+6,037 mi
- 20/02/201787,522 mi+11,377 mi
- 20/02/201787,522 mi
- 22/02/201899,740 mi+12,218 mi
- 06/02/2019102,019 mi+2,279 mi
- 08/02/2019102,019 mi
- 31/01/2020104,656 mi+2,637 mi
- 03/02/202037,047 mi-67,609 mi
- 24/02/2021110,936 mi+73,889 mi
- 25/02/2021110,936 mi
- 02/03/2022117,133 mi+6,197 mi
- 08/03/2022117,476 mi+343 mi
Average of roughly 6,029 miles per year across 24 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
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.
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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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