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 2005 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 1995cc has had 17 MOT tests on record, passing 14 and failing 3 (82% pass rate). It has 83,517 miles on the clock, averaging 4,674 miles per year, well below the UK average of 7,400. The 2.0i engine is known for valve stem seals. Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.
MOT & Mileage History for EF05 BFV
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failures recorded
Average miles/year
Gap in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
Low mileage| Latest reading | 83,517 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 1 |
| Average per year | 4,674 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check EF05 BFV
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- Warranty work logged
Full MOT Test History 17 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).
Valve stem seals (part of cylinder head valve train)
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
Explore more about the Bmw 3 Series
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | EF05 BFV |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Grey |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 1995cc |
| Year | 2005 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | EF — Chelmsford, Essex |
| Age identifier | 05 — March 2005 to August 2005 |
More EF05 B plates
Browse all EF05 B registrations from Chelmsford.
About EF05 BFV
What car is EF05 BFV?
EF05 BFV is an grey Bmw 3 Series, petrol (1995cc). First registered in Chelmsford in 2005.
What is the mileage of EF05 BFV?
The last recorded mileage for EF05 BFV was 83,517 miles, recorded on 18 Nov 2023 during its most recent MOT test.
Has EF05 BFV passed its MOT?
EF05 BFV has had 17 MOT tests with an 82% pass rate (14 passes, 3 failures). It last passed on 18 Nov 2023.
Is EF05 BFV ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, EF05 BFV is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a petrol vehicle registered in 2005, it typically does not meet the Euro 4 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is EF05 BFV?
EF05 BFV is approximately 21 years old. Age identifier 05 means registered between 1 March 2005 and 31 August 2005.