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
GV53 MWL

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Red Registered in Brighton, Garden of England · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
ColourRed
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 2003 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2979cc has had 22 MOT tests on record, passing 15 and failing 7 (68% pass rate). It has 30,118 miles on the clock, averaging 685 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 GV53 MWL

MOT Status
Due date passed
30,118
Last Mileage
Recorded
22
Total Tests
Since 2006
68%
Pass Rate
15 passed, 7 failed

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

7

MOT failures recorded

Out of 22 tests on record
685

Average miles/year

Below UK average of 7,400
6

Gaps in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Low mileage
Latest reading30,118 miles
Reading date
Average per year685
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for GV53 MWL 18k21k24k27k30k '06'24'15

Check GV53 MWL

Full MOT Test History 22 tests on record

PASS
Mileage30,118 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage30,118 miles
Since last MOT+10 miles
FAIL
Mileage30,108 miles
Since last MOT+1,277 miles
PASS
Mileage28,831 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage28,831 miles
Since last MOT+466 miles
PASS
Mileage28,365 miles
Since last MOT+1,067 miles
PASS
Mileage27,298 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage27,298 miles
Since last MOT+331 miles
PASS
Mileage26,967 miles
Since last MOT+266 miles
PASS
Mileage26,701 miles
Since last MOT+7 miles
FAIL
Mileage26,694 miles
Since last MOT+614 miles
PASS
Mileage26,080 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage26,080 miles
Since last MOT+475 miles
PASS
Mileage25,605 miles
Since last MOT+3 miles
FAIL
Mileage25,602 miles
Since last MOT+533 miles
PASS
Mileage25,069 miles
Since last MOT+826 miles
PASS
Mileage24,243 miles
Since last MOT+452 miles
PASS
Mileage23,791 miles
Since last MOT+1,164 miles
PASS
Mileage22,627 miles
Since last MOT+413 miles
PASS
Mileage22,214 miles
Since last MOT+1,687 miles
PASS
Mileage20,527 miles
Since last MOT+2,446 miles
PASS
Mileage18,081 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

RegistrationGV53 MWL
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourRed
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeGV — Brighton, Garden of England
Age identifier53 — September 2003 to February 2004

More GV53 M plates

Browse all GV53 M registrations from Brighton.

About GV53 MWL

What car is GV53 MWL?

GV53 MWL is a red Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Brighton in 2003.

What is the mileage of GV53 MWL?

The last recorded mileage for GV53 MWL was 30,118 miles, recorded on 24 Apr 2024 during its most recent MOT test.

Has GV53 MWL passed its MOT?

GV53 MWL has had 22 MOT tests with a 68% pass rate (15 passes, 7 failures). It last passed on 24 Apr 2024.

Is GV53 MWL ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, GV53 MWL 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 GV53 MWL?

GV53 MWL is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.