Vehicle summary
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 2004 Volkswagen Polo Diesel 1422cc has had 20 MOT tests on record, passing 10 and failing 10 (50% pass rate). It has 146,604 miles on the clock, averaging 9,818 miles per year, above the UK average of 7,400. The 1.4 TDI engine is known for 1. oil pump chain & balance shaft chain wear / failure and 2. injector unit (pd pump–dooer) wear & electrical failure. Common Volkswagen Polo issues include engine-specific faults and brake pad and disc wear:.
MOT & Mileage History for BP53 SXW
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failures recorded
Average miles/year
Gaps in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
Above average| Latest reading | 146,604 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Average per year | 9,818 |
| Mileage consistency | Consistent |
Check BP53 SXW
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Full MOT Test History 20 tests on record
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Reported issues for this Volkswagen Polo
These are the most commonly reported problems on Volkswagen Polo models (2002–2009), based on owner reports and workshop data across the UK.
Engine-specific faults
Brake pad and disc wear:
Tyre wear and replacement:
Spark plug replacement:
1. Oil Pump Chain & Balance Shaft Chain Wear / Failure
The chain driving the oil pump and balance shaft (where fitted) is undersized for the loads imposed by the three-cylinder engine's unbalanced firing impulses. Early models are particularly vulnerable; chain tensioner wear allows excessive slack, leading to chain stretch, skip, or catastrophic failure[1].
2. Injector Unit (PD Pump–Dooer) Wear & Electrical Failure
Worn plunger seals allow diesel and engine oil to mix; electrical spools fail (sticking or electrical contact wear). These are high-wear components under the extreme pressures of the PD system[1].
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
Explore more about the Volkswagen Polo
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | BP53 SXW |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Red |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2004 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | BP — Birmingham, Birmingham |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More BP53 S plates
Browse all BP53 S registrations from Birmingham.
About BP53 SXW
What car is BP53 SXW?
BP53 SXW is a red Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Birmingham in 2004.
What is the mileage of BP53 SXW?
The last recorded mileage for BP53 SXW was 146,604 miles, recorded on 16 Mar 2018 during its most recent MOT test.
Has BP53 SXW passed its MOT?
BP53 SXW has had 20 MOT tests with a 50% pass rate (10 passes, 10 failures). It last passed on 16 Mar 2018.
Is BP53 SXW ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, BP53 SXW is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a diesel vehicle registered in 2004, it typically does not meet the Euro 6 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is BP53 SXW?
BP53 SXW is approximately 22 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.