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EX51 SAR

2001 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Silver Registered in Chelmsford, Essex · 25 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2001
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
ColourSilver
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 2001 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2979cc has had 12 MOT tests on record, passing 10 and failing 2 (83% pass rate). It has 135,638 miles on the clock, averaging 8,565 miles per year, around 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 EX51 SAR

MOT Status
Due date passed
135,638
Last Mileage
Recorded
12
Total Tests
Since 2006
83%
Pass Rate
10 passed, 2 failed

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

2

MOT failures recorded

Out of 12 tests on record
8,565

Average miles/year

Around UK average of 7,400
1

Gap in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

About average
Latest reading135,638 miles
Reading date
Miles last year8,991
Average per year8,565
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for EX51 SAR 43k66k89k113k136k '06'17'10

Check EX51 SAR

Full MOT Test History 12 tests on record

PASS
Mileage135,638 miles
Since last MOT+8,991 miles
PASS
Mileage126,647 miles
Since last MOT+5 miles
FAIL
Mileage126,642 miles
Since last MOT+11,749 miles
PASS
Mileage114,893 miles
Since last MOT+10,177 miles
PASS
Mileage104,716 miles
Since last MOT+17,873 miles
PASS
Mileage86,843 miles
Since last MOT+12,198 miles
PASS
Mileage74,645 miles
Since last MOT+9,381 miles
PASS
Mileage65,264 miles
Since last MOT+3,683 miles
PASS
Mileage61,581 miles
Since last MOT+8,465 miles
PASS
Mileage53,116 miles
Since last MOT+9,832 miles
PASS
Mileage43,284 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage43,284 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

RegistrationEX51 SAR
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2001
First registered
Area codeEX — Chelmsford, Essex
Age identifier51 — September 2001 to February 2002

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About EX51 SAR

What car is EX51 SAR?

EX51 SAR is an silver Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Chelmsford in 2001.

What is the mileage of EX51 SAR?

The last recorded mileage for EX51 SAR was 135,638 miles, recorded on 28 Feb 2017 during its most recent MOT test.

Has EX51 SAR passed its MOT?

EX51 SAR has had 12 MOT tests with an 83% pass rate (10 passes, 2 failures). It last passed on 28 Feb 2017.

Is EX51 SAR ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, EX51 SAR is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a petrol vehicle registered in 2001, it typically does not meet the Euro 4 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.

How old is EX51 SAR?

EX51 SAR is approximately 25 years old. Age identifier 51 means registered between 1 September 2001 and 28 February 2002.