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ET03 VSE

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Grey Registered in Chelmsford, Essex · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
ColourGrey
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 10 MOT tests on record, passing 9 and failing once (90% pass rate). It has 127,610 miles on the clock, averaging 10,165 miles per year, above 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 VSE

MOT Status
Due date passed
127,610
Last Mileage
Recorded
10
Total Tests
Since 2006
90%
Pass Rate
9 passed, 1 failed

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

1

MOT failure recorded

Out of 10 tests on record
10,165

Average miles/year

Above UK average of 7,400
1

Gap in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Above average
Latest reading127,610 miles
Reading date
Miles last year10,540
Average per year10,165
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for ET03 VSE 42k63k85k106k128k '06'14'10

Check ET03 VSE

Full MOT Test History 10 tests on record

PASS
Mileage127,610 miles
Since last MOT+10,540 miles
PASS
Mileage117,070 miles
Since last MOT+14,368 miles
PASS
Mileage102,702 miles
Since last MOT+17,222 miles
PASS
Mileage85,480 miles
Since last MOT+10,022 miles
PASS
Mileage75,458 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage75,458 miles
Since last MOT+8,615 miles
PASS
Mileage66,843 miles
Since last MOT+2,082 miles
PASS
Mileage64,761 miles
Since last MOT+7,856 miles
PASS
Mileage56,905 miles
Since last MOT+15,134 miles
PASS
Mileage41,771 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 VSE
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourGrey
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeET — Chelmsford, Essex
Age identifier03 — March 2003 to August 2003

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About ET03 VSE

What car is ET03 VSE?

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

What is the mileage of ET03 VSE?

The last recorded mileage for ET03 VSE was 127,610 miles, recorded on 25 Nov 2014 during its most recent MOT test.

Has ET03 VSE passed its MOT?

ET03 VSE has had 10 MOT tests with an 90% pass rate (9 passes, 1 failure). It last passed on 25 Nov 2014.

Is ET03 VSE ULEZ compliant?

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

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