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BC03 CEN

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2171cc

Silver Registered in Birmingham, Birmingham · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine2171cc
ColourSilver
ULEZ (est.)Likely Non-compliantPetrol pre-2006
Est. Annual Tax£265–£630

ULEZ status is estimated based on fuel type and registration year. It may not reflect the actual emission standard of this vehicle. Check with TfL for a definitive answer.

At a glance

This 2003 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2171cc has had 26 MOT tests on record, passing 18 and failing 8 (69% pass rate). It has 162,226 miles on the clock, averaging 7,168 miles per year, below the UK average of 7,400. The 2.2i engine is known for m54 (2.2l petrol, m54b22). Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.

MOT & Mileage History for BC03 CEN

MOT Status
Due date passed
162,226
Last Mileage
Recorded
26
Total Tests
Since 2006
69%
Pass Rate
18 passed, 8 failed

Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.

8

MOT failures recorded

Out of 26 tests on record
7,168

Average miles/year

Below UK average of 7,400
6

Gaps in MOT history

Periods with no valid MOT — may have been SORN or untaxed

Mileage Analysis

Below average
Latest reading162,226 miles
Reading date
Miles last year15,242
Average per year7,168
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for BC03 CEN 23k58k93k127k162k '06'25'17

Check BC03 CEN

Full MOT Test History 26 tests on record

FAIL
Mileage162,226 miles
Since last MOT+15,242 miles
PASS
Mileage146,984 miles
Since last MOT+9 miles
FAIL
Mileage146,975 miles
Since last MOT+8,961 miles
PASS
Mileage138,014 miles
Since last MOT+1,053 miles
FAIL
Mileage136,961 miles
Since last MOT+13,243 miles
PASS
Mileage123,718 miles
Since last MOT+10,338 miles
PASS
Mileage113,380 miles
Since last MOT+15,229 miles
PASS
Mileage98,151 miles
Since last MOT+11 miles
FAIL
Mileage98,140 miles
Since last MOT+4,191 miles
PASS
Mileage93,949 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage93,949 miles
Since last MOT+5,483 miles
PASS
Mileage88,466 miles
Since last MOT+10 miles
FAIL
Mileage88,456 miles
Since last MOT+1,566 miles
PASS
Mileage86,890 miles
Since last MOT+2,435 miles
PASS
Mileage84,455 miles
Since last MOT+9,358 miles
PASS
Mileage75,097 miles
Since last MOT+7,688 miles
PASS
Mileage67,409 miles
Since last MOT+1 miles
FAIL
Mileage67,408 miles
Since last MOT+6,747 miles
PASS
Mileage60,661 miles
Since last MOT+6,388 miles
PASS
Mileage54,273 miles
Since last MOT+451 miles
PASS
Mileage53,822 miles
Since last MOT+4,337 miles
PASS
Mileage49,485 miles
Since last MOT+4 miles
FAIL
Mileage49,481 miles
Since last MOT+11,495 miles
PASS
Mileage37,986 miles
Since last MOT+9,217 miles
PASS
Mileage28,769 miles
Since last MOT+5,530 miles
PASS
Mileage23,239 miles

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🔧 Reported issues for this Bmw 3 Series

These are the most commonly reported problems on Bmw 3 Series models (1998–2006), based on owner reports and workshop data across the UK.

Rear Subframe Mount Cracking (RACP Failure)

Fatigue cracks develop at the mounting points due to corrosion and stress; BMW's foam injection "fix" often fails, leading to subframe tearing. Affects **ALL body styles** (saloon, estate, coupe, convertible). · Typical repair: £800-£2,000 (reinforcement plates + welding at indie BMW specialist; foam fix £300 but inadequate).

Front Lower Control Arm Bushings

Rubber cracks/splits, causing excessive movement. Affects **ALL body styles**. · Typical repair: £200-£400 (bush press + alignment at indie).

Window Regulators

Cables fray or pulleys break, jamming mechanism. Affects **ALL body styles** (worse on coupes/convertibles with frameless windows). · Typical repair: £150-£300 per door (regulator + motor at indie).

Cooling System Leaks (Non-Engine Specific)

Plastic cracks from age/heat cycles; excludes water pump (engine-related). Affects **ALL body styles**. · Typical repair: £150-£350 (tank + hoses).

M54 (2.2L Petrol, M54B22)

Nut on oil pump drive shaft loosens (resonance at high RPM).[1]

Read our Bmw 3 Buyer's Guide →

Common faults, what to check, and what to pay

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Thinking about buying this car? These resources will help you make an informed decision.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationBC03 CEN
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2171cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeBC — Birmingham, Birmingham
Age identifier03 — March 2003 to August 2003

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About BC03 CEN

What car is BC03 CEN?

BC03 CEN is a silver Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2171cc). First registered in Birmingham in 2003.

What is the mileage of BC03 CEN?

The last recorded mileage for BC03 CEN was 162,226 miles, recorded on 8 Jul 2025 during its most recent MOT test.

Has BC03 CEN passed its MOT?

BC03 CEN has had 26 MOT tests with a 69% pass rate (18 passes, 8 failures). It last was tested on 8 Jul 2025.

Is BC03 CEN ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, BC03 CEN is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a petrol vehicle registered in 2003, it typically does not meet the Euro 4 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.

How old is BC03 CEN?

BC03 CEN is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 03 means registered between 1 March 2003 and 31 August 2003.