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 2171cc has had 16 MOT tests on record, passing 10 and failing 6 (63% pass rate). It has 172,294 miles on the clock, averaging 12,784 miles per year, above the UK average of 7,400. The 2.2i engine is known for m54 (2.2l petrol, m54b22). Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.
MOT & Mileage History for DE53 BFA
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 | 172,294 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Average per year | 12,784 |
| Mileage consistency | Consistent |
Check DE53 BFA
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Full MOT Test History 16 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).
M54 (2.2L Petrol, M54B22)
Nut on oil pump drive shaft loosens (resonance at high RPM).[1]
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | DE53 BFA |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Black |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2171cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | DE — Chester, Deeside to Shrewsbury |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More DE53 B plates
Browse all DE53 B registrations from Chester.
About DE53 BFA
What car is DE53 BFA?
DE53 BFA is a black Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2171cc). First registered in Chester in 2003.
What is the mileage of DE53 BFA?
The last recorded mileage for DE53 BFA was 172,294 miles, recorded on 5 Dec 2016 during its most recent MOT test.
Has DE53 BFA passed its MOT?
DE53 BFA has had 16 MOT tests with a 63% pass rate (10 passes, 6 failures). It last passed on 5 Dec 2016.
Is DE53 BFA ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, DE53 BFA 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 DE53 BFA?
DE53 BFA is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.