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 19 MOT tests on record, passing 13 and failing 6 (68% pass rate). It has 118,937 miles on the clock, averaging 6,293 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 FV53 EFC
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
Below average| Latest reading | 118,937 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Average per year | 6,293 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check FV53 EFC
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Full MOT Test History 19 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 | FV53 EFC |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Black |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2979cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | FV — Lincoln, Forest and Fens |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More FV53 E plates
Browse all FV53 E registrations from Lincoln.
About FV53 EFC
What car is FV53 EFC?
FV53 EFC is an black Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Lincoln in 2003.
What is the mileage of FV53 EFC?
The last recorded mileage for FV53 EFC was 118,937 miles, recorded on 9 Apr 2019 during its most recent MOT test.
Has FV53 EFC passed its MOT?
FV53 EFC has had 19 MOT tests with a 68% pass rate (13 passes, 6 failures). It last passed on 9 Apr 2019.
Is FV53 EFC ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, FV53 EFC 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 FV53 EFC?
FV53 EFC is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.