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CE03 RKU

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Blue Registered in Cardiff, Cymru (Wales) · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
ColourBlue
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 2979cc has had 26 MOT tests on record, passing 18 and failing 8 (69% pass rate). It has 160,561 miles on the clock, averaging 5,805 miles per year, below the UK average of 7,400. The 3.0i engine is known for m54 3.0l (m54b30) and water pump and thermostat. Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.

MOT & Mileage History for CE03 RKU

MOT Status
Due date passed
160,561
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
5,805

Average miles/year

Below UK average of 7,400
3

Gaps in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Below average
Latest reading160,561 miles
Reading date
Miles last year208
Average per year5,805
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for CE03 RKU 54k81k107k134k161k '06'24'13

Check CE03 RKU

Full MOT Test History 26 tests on record

PASS
Mileage160,561 miles
Since last MOT+208 miles
PASS
Mileage160,353 miles
Since last MOT+642 miles
PASS
Mileage159,711 miles
Since last MOT+367 miles
PASS
Mileage159,344 miles
Since last MOT+804 miles
PASS
Mileage158,540 miles
Since last MOT+1,831 miles
PASS
Mileage156,709 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage156,709 miles
Since last MOT+2,694 miles
PASS
Mileage154,015 miles
Since last MOT+547 miles
PASS
Mileage153,468 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage153,468 miles
Since last MOT+4,590 miles
PASS
Mileage148,878 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage148,878 miles
Since last MOT+9,098 miles
PASS
Mileage139,780 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage139,780 miles
Since last MOT+8,460 miles
PASS
Mileage131,320 miles
Since last MOT+1 miles
FAIL
Mileage131,319 miles
Since last MOT+5,621 miles
PASS
Mileage125,698 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage125,698 miles
Since last MOT+7,295 miles
PASS
Mileage118,403 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage118,403 miles
Since last MOT+7,284 miles
PASS
Mileage111,119 miles
Since last MOT+172 miles
FAIL
Mileage110,947 miles
Since last MOT+8,026 miles
PASS
Mileage102,921 miles
Since last MOT+24,485 miles
PASS
Mileage78,436 miles
Since last MOT+23,800 miles
PASS
Mileage54,636 miles
Since last MOT+515 miles
PASS
Mileage54,121 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 3.0L (M54B30)

Water pump (engine-driven, plastic impeller type) and thermostat

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

RegistrationCE03 RKU
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeCE — Cardiff, Cymru (Wales)
Age identifier03 — March 2003 to August 2003

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About CE03 RKU

What car is CE03 RKU?

CE03 RKU is a blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Cardiff in 2003.

What is the mileage of CE03 RKU?

The last recorded mileage for CE03 RKU was 160,561 miles, recorded on 30 Jun 2024 during its most recent MOT test.

Has CE03 RKU passed its MOT?

CE03 RKU has had 26 MOT tests with a 69% pass rate (18 passes, 8 failures). It last passed on 30 Jun 2024.

Is CE03 RKU ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, CE03 RKU 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 CE03 RKU?

CE03 RKU is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 03 means registered between 1 March 2003 and 31 August 2003.