Free MOT Check →Full MOT history & mileage Service History £6.99 →Full refund if no data found Full Car Check £7.49 →Crashed, financed & ownership data by Experian
FM51 NLA

2002 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Silver Registered in Nottingham, Forest and Fens · 24 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2002
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 2002 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2979cc has had 22 MOT tests on record, passing 13 and failing 9 (59% pass rate). It has 110,235 miles on the clock, averaging 4,232 miles per year, well 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 FM51 NLA

MOT Status
Due date passed
110,235
Last Mileage
Recorded
22
Total Tests
Since 2006
59%
Pass Rate
13 passed, 9 failed

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

9

MOT failures recorded

Out of 22 tests on record
4,232

Average miles/year

Below UK average of 7,400
7

Gaps in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Low mileage
Latest reading110,235 miles
Reading date
Average per year4,232
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for FM51 NLA 45k61k78k94k110k '06'21'16

Check FM51 NLA

Full MOT Test History 22 tests on record

PASS
Mileage110,235 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage110,235 miles
Since last MOT+3,995 miles
PASS
Mileage106,240 miles
Since last MOT+64 miles
FAIL
Mileage106,176 miles
Since last MOT+6,257 miles
PASS
Mileage99,919 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage99,919 miles
Since last MOT+7,735 miles
PASS
Mileage92,184 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage92,184 miles
Since last MOT+5,985 miles
PASS
Mileage86,199 miles
Since last MOT+13 miles
FAIL
Mileage86,186 miles
Since last MOT+48 miles
PASS
Mileage86,138 miles
Since last MOT+1,917 miles
FAIL
Mileage84,221 miles
Since last MOT+1,412 miles
PASS
Mileage82,809 miles
Since last MOT+1,392 miles
PASS
Mileage81,417 miles
Since last MOT+4,686 miles
PASS
Mileage76,731 miles
Since last MOT+4,623 miles
PASS
Mileage72,108 miles
Since last MOT+5,711 miles
FAIL
Mileage66,397 miles
Since last MOT+4,475 miles
PASS
Mileage61,922 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage61,922 miles
Since last MOT+5,342 miles
PASS
Mileage56,580 miles
Since last MOT+11,717 miles
PASS
Mileage44,863 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage44,863 miles

Similar cars to consider

Buyers comparing the Bmw 3 Series often also look at these models. Check their MOT history and reliability before deciding:

🔧 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

RegistrationFM51 NLA
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2002
First registered
Area codeFM — Nottingham, Forest and Fens
Age identifier51 — September 2001 to February 2002

More FM51 N plates

Browse all FM51 N registrations from Nottingham.

About FM51 NLA

What car is FM51 NLA?

FM51 NLA is an silver Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Nottingham in 2002.

What is the mileage of FM51 NLA?

The last recorded mileage for FM51 NLA was 110,235 miles, recorded on 5 Aug 2021 during its most recent MOT test.

Has FM51 NLA passed its MOT?

FM51 NLA has had 22 MOT tests with a 59% pass rate (13 passes, 9 failures). It last passed on 5 Aug 2021.

Is FM51 NLA ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, FM51 NLA 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 FM51 NLA?

FM51 NLA is approximately 24 years old. Age identifier 51 means registered between 1 September 2001 and 28 February 2002.