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 2003 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2494cc has had 21 MOT tests on record, passing 15 and failing 6 (71% pass rate). It has 178,468 miles on the clock, averaging 10,094 miles per year, above the UK average of 7,400. The 2.5i engine is known for m54b25. Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.
MOT & Mileage History for CA52 FBL
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 | 178,468 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 5,223 |
| Average per year | 10,094 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check CA52 FBL
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Full MOT Test History 21 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).
M54B25
Diaphragm ruptures or hoses clog, pressurising crankcase and pushing oil into intake.
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | CA52 FBL |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Black |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2494cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | CA — Cardiff, Cymru (Wales) |
| Age identifier | 52 — September 2002 to February 2003 |
More CA52 F plates
Browse all CA52 F registrations from Cardiff.
About CA52 FBL
What car is CA52 FBL?
CA52 FBL is a black Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2494cc). First registered in Cardiff in 2003.
What is the mileage of CA52 FBL?
The last recorded mileage for CA52 FBL was 178,468 miles, recorded on 15 Jan 2021 during its most recent MOT test.
Has CA52 FBL passed its MOT?
CA52 FBL has had 21 MOT tests with a 71% pass rate (15 passes, 6 failures). It last passed on 15 Jan 2021.
Is CA52 FBL ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, CA52 FBL 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 CA52 FBL?
CA52 FBL is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 52 means registered between 1 September 2002 and 28 February 2003.