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ET03 VCA

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Green Registered in Chelmsford, Essex · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
ColourGreen
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 23 MOT tests on record, passing 20 and failing 3 (87% pass rate). It has 78,623 miles on the clock, averaging 2,696 miles per year, well 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 ET03 VCA

Valid
MOT Status
Expires
78,623
Last Mileage
Recorded
23
Total Tests
Since 2006
87%
Pass Rate
20 passed, 3 failed

Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.

3

MOT failures recorded

Out of 23 tests on record
2,696

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

Low mileage
Latest reading78,623 miles
Reading date
Miles last year312
Average per year2,696
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for ET03 VCA 24k38k52k65k79k '06'26'15

Check ET03 VCA

Full MOT Test History 23 tests on record

PASS
Mileage78,623 miles
Since last MOT+312 miles
PASS
Mileage78,311 miles
Since last MOT+3 miles
FAIL
Mileage78,308 miles
Since last MOT+113 miles
PASS
Mileage78,195 miles
Since last MOT+590 miles
PASS
Mileage77,605 miles
Since last MOT+609 miles
PASS
Mileage76,996 miles
Since last MOT+1,326 miles
PASS
Mileage75,670 miles
Since last MOT+1,412 miles
PASS
Mileage74,258 miles
Since last MOT+2,844 miles
PASS
Mileage71,414 miles
Since last MOT+1,698 miles
PASS
Mileage69,716 miles
Since last MOT+11 miles
FAIL
Mileage69,705 miles
Since last MOT+3,706 miles
PASS
Mileage65,999 miles
Since last MOT+2,727 miles
PASS
Mileage63,272 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage63,272 miles
Since last MOT+2,985 miles
PASS
Mileage60,287 miles
Since last MOT+3,916 miles
PASS
Mileage56,371 miles
Since last MOT+6,271 miles
PASS
Mileage50,100 miles
Since last MOT+5,152 miles
PASS
Mileage44,948 miles
Since last MOT+2,830 miles
PASS
Mileage42,118 miles
Since last MOT+5,000 miles
PASS
Mileage37,118 miles
Since last MOT+2,460 miles
PASS
Mileage34,658 miles
Since last MOT+3,048 miles
PASS
Mileage31,610 miles
Since last MOT+7,117 miles
PASS
Mileage24,493 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

Explore more about the Bmw 3 Series

Thinking about buying this car? These resources will help you make an informed decision.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationET03 VCA
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourGreen
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeET — Chelmsford, Essex
Age identifier03 — March 2003 to August 2003

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About ET03 VCA

What car is ET03 VCA?

ET03 VCA is an green Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Chelmsford in 2003.

What is the mileage of ET03 VCA?

The last recorded mileage for ET03 VCA was 78,623 miles, recorded on 21 May 2026 during its most recent MOT test.

Has ET03 VCA passed its MOT?

ET03 VCA has had 23 MOT tests with an 87% pass rate (20 passes, 3 failures). It last passed on 21 May 2026.

Is ET03 VCA ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, ET03 VCA 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 ET03 VCA?

ET03 VCA is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 03 means registered between 1 March 2003 and 31 August 2003.