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 1995cc has had 11 MOT tests on record, passing 7 and failing 4 (64% pass rate). It has 136,554 miles on the clock, averaging 10,921 miles per year, above 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 ET53 FVB
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 | 136,554 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 3,531 |
| Average per year | 10,921 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check ET53 FVB
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Full MOT Test History 11 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
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | ET53 FVB |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Silver |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 1995cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | ET — Chelmsford, Essex |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More ET53 F plates
Browse all ET53 F registrations from Chelmsford.
About ET53 FVB
What car is ET53 FVB?
ET53 FVB is an silver Bmw 3 Series, petrol (1995cc). First registered in Chelmsford in 2003.
What is the mileage of ET53 FVB?
The last recorded mileage for ET53 FVB was 136,554 miles, recorded on 1 May 2014 during its most recent MOT test.
Has ET53 FVB passed its MOT?
ET53 FVB has had 11 MOT tests with a 64% pass rate (7 passes, 4 failures). It last passed on 1 May 2014.
Is ET53 FVB ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, ET53 FVB 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 ET53 FVB?
ET53 FVB is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.