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BT52 WBU

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Diesel · 2926cc

Black Registered in Birmingham, Birmingham · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelDiesel
Engine2926cc
ColourBlack
ULEZ (est.)Likely Non-compliantDiesel pre-2015
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 Diesel 2926cc has had 18 MOT tests on record, passing 13 and failing 5 (72% pass rate). It has 128,280 miles on the clock, averaging 4,485 miles per year, well below the UK average of 7,400. The 3.0d engine is known for 1. glow plugs & relay failure and 2. variable geometry turbo (vgt) actuator failure (m57tu2 only). Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.

MOT & Mileage History for BT52 WBU

MOT Status
Due date passed
128,280
Last Mileage
Recorded
18
Total Tests
Since 2006
72%
Pass Rate
13 passed, 5 failed

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

5

MOT failures recorded

Out of 18 tests on record
4,485

Average miles/year

Below UK average of 7,400
9

Gaps in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Low mileage
Latest reading128,280 miles
Reading date
Miles last year302
Average per year4,485
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for BT52 WBU 57k75k93k111k128k '06'21'13

Check BT52 WBU

Full MOT Test History 18 tests on record

PASS
Mileage128,280 miles
Since last MOT+302 miles
PASS
Mileage127,978 miles
Since last MOT+246 miles
FAIL
Mileage127,732 miles
Since last MOT+3,426 miles
PASS
Mileage124,306 miles
Since last MOT+5,237 miles
PASS
Mileage119,069 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage119,069 miles
Since last MOT+6,185 miles
PASS
Mileage112,884 miles
Since last MOT+6,865 miles
PASS
Mileage106,019 miles
Since last MOT+5,709 miles
PASS
Mileage100,310 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage100,310 miles
Since last MOT+8,080 miles
PASS
Mileage92,230 miles
Since last MOT+38 miles
FAIL
Mileage92,192 miles
Since last MOT+10,591 miles
PASS
Mileage81,601 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage81,601 miles
Since last MOT+4,604 miles
PASS
Mileage76,997 miles
Since last MOT+5,455 miles
PASS
Mileage71,542 miles
Since last MOT+5,547 miles
PASS
Mileage65,995 miles
Since last MOT+8,561 miles
PASS
Mileage57,434 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).

1. Glow Plugs & Relay Failure

2. Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) Actuator Failure (M57TU2 only)

Read our Bmw 3 Buyer's Guide →

Common faults, what to check, and what to pay

Explore more about the Bmw 3 Series

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

Vehicle Details

RegistrationBT52 WBU
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlack
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2926cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeBT — Birmingham, Birmingham
Age identifier52 — September 2002 to February 2003

More BT52 W plates

Browse all BT52 W registrations from Birmingham.

About BT52 WBU

What car is BT52 WBU?

BT52 WBU is a black Bmw 3 Series, diesel (2926cc). First registered in Birmingham in 2003.

What is the mileage of BT52 WBU?

The last recorded mileage for BT52 WBU was 128,280 miles, recorded on 6 Nov 2021 during its most recent MOT test.

Has BT52 WBU passed its MOT?

BT52 WBU has had 18 MOT tests with a 72% pass rate (13 passes, 5 failures). It last passed on 6 Nov 2021.

Is BT52 WBU ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, BT52 WBU is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a diesel vehicle registered in 2003, it typically does not meet the Euro 6 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.

How old is BT52 WBU?

BT52 WBU is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 52 means registered between 1 September 2002 and 28 February 2003.