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 2002 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2979cc has had 16 MOT tests on record, passing 12 and failing 4 (75% pass rate). It has 181,925 miles on the clock, averaging 9,106 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 ET51 OAE
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 | 181,925 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 3,792 |
| Average per year | 9,106 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
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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 3.0L (M54B30)
Water pump (engine-driven, plastic impeller type) and thermostat
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | ET51 OAE |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Green |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2979cc |
| Year | 2002 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | ET — Chelmsford, Essex |
| Age identifier | 51 — September 2001 to February 2002 |
More ET51 O plates
Browse all ET51 O registrations from Chelmsford.
About ET51 OAE
What car is ET51 OAE?
ET51 OAE is an green Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Chelmsford in 2002.
What is the mileage of ET51 OAE?
The last recorded mileage for ET51 OAE was 181,925 miles, recorded on 16 Oct 2020 during its most recent MOT test.
Has ET51 OAE passed its MOT?
ET51 OAE has had 16 MOT tests with a 75% pass rate (12 passes, 4 failures). It last passed on 16 Oct 2020.
Is ET51 OAE ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, ET51 OAE is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a petrol vehicle registered in 2002, it typically does not meet the Euro 4 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is ET51 OAE?
ET51 OAE is approximately 24 years old. Age identifier 51 means registered between 1 September 2001 and 28 February 2002.