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 2002 Bmw 3 Series Diesel 2926cc has had 25 MOT tests on record, passing 16 and failing 9 (64% pass rate). It has 175,736 miles on the clock, averaging 8,539 miles per year, around 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 BW52 RCF
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
About average| Latest reading | 175,736 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 42 |
| Average per year | 8,539 |
| Mileage consistency | Consistent |
Check BW52 RCF
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Full MOT Test History 25 tests on record
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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)
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | BW52 RCF |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 2926cc |
| Year | 2002 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | BW — Birmingham, Birmingham |
| Age identifier | 52 — September 2002 to February 2003 |
More BW52 R plates
Browse all BW52 R registrations from Birmingham.
About BW52 RCF
What car is BW52 RCF?
BW52 RCF is a blue Bmw 3 Series, diesel (2926cc). First registered in Birmingham in 2002.
What is the mileage of BW52 RCF?
The last recorded mileage for BW52 RCF was 175,736 miles, recorded on 27 Oct 2022 during its most recent MOT test.
Has BW52 RCF passed its MOT?
BW52 RCF has had 25 MOT tests with a 64% pass rate (16 passes, 9 failures). It last passed on 27 Oct 2022.
Is BW52 RCF ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, BW52 RCF is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a diesel vehicle registered in 2002, it typically does not meet the Euro 6 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is BW52 RCF?
BW52 RCF is approximately 24 years old. Age identifier 52 means registered between 1 September 2002 and 28 February 2003.