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 2979cc has had 28 MOT tests on record, passing 20 and failing 8 (71% pass rate). It has 123,205 miles on the clock, averaging 5,559 miles per year, 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 FD53 OWJ
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failures recorded
Average miles/year
Gap in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
Below average| Latest reading | 123,205 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 1,318 |
| Average per year | 5,559 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check FD53 OWJ
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Full MOT Test History 28 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
Explore more about the Bmw 3 Series
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | FD53 OWJ |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Grey |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2979cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | FD — Nottingham, Forest and Fens |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More FD53 O plates
Browse all FD53 O registrations from Nottingham.
About FD53 OWJ
What car is FD53 OWJ?
FD53 OWJ is an grey Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Nottingham in 2003.
What is the mileage of FD53 OWJ?
The last recorded mileage for FD53 OWJ was 123,205 miles, recorded on 16 Jun 2025 during its most recent MOT test.
Has FD53 OWJ passed its MOT?
FD53 OWJ has had 28 MOT tests with a 71% pass rate (20 passes, 8 failures). It last passed on 16 Jun 2025.
Is FD53 OWJ ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, FD53 OWJ 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 FD53 OWJ?
FD53 OWJ is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.