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 22 MOT tests on record, passing 20 and failing 2 (91% pass rate). It has 136,507 miles on the clock, averaging 2,937 miles per year, well below 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 EF53 VPT
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
Low mileage| Latest reading | 136,507 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 685 |
| Average per year | 2,937 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
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Full MOT Test History 22 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 | EF53 VPT |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Grey |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2171cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | EF — Chelmsford, Essex |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More EF53 V plates
Browse all EF53 V registrations from Chelmsford.
About EF53 VPT
What car is EF53 VPT?
EF53 VPT is an grey Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2171cc). First registered in Chelmsford in 2003.
What is the mileage of EF53 VPT?
The last recorded mileage for EF53 VPT was 136,507 miles, recorded on 19 Nov 2025 during its most recent MOT test.
Has EF53 VPT passed its MOT?
EF53 VPT has had 22 MOT tests with an 91% pass rate (20 passes, 2 failures). It last passed on 19 Nov 2025.
Is EF53 VPT ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, EF53 VPT 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 EF53 VPT?
EF53 VPT is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.