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
LM52 MBU

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2171cc

Silver Registered in Stanmore, London · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine2171cc
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 2003 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2171cc has had 26 MOT tests on record, passing 21 and failing 5 (81% pass rate). It has 87,844 miles on the clock, averaging 3,021 miles per year, well below the UK average of 7,400. The 2.2i engine is known for m54 (2.2l petrol, m54b22). Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.

MOT & Mileage History for LM52 MBU

Valid
MOT Status
Expires
87,844
Last Mileage
Recorded
26
Total Tests
Since 2006
81%
Pass Rate
21 passed, 5 failed

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

5

MOT failures recorded

Out of 26 tests on record
3,021

Average miles/year

Below UK average of 7,400
2

Gaps in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Low mileage
Latest reading87,844 miles
Reading date
Average per year3,021
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for LM52 MBU 27k43k58k73k88k '06'26'17

Check LM52 MBU

Full MOT Test History 26 tests on record

PASS
Mileage87,844 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage87,844 miles
Since last MOT+2,205 miles
PASS
Mileage85,639 miles
Since last MOT+5,728 miles
PASS
Mileage79,911 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage79,911 miles
Since last MOT+4,645 miles
PASS
Mileage75,266 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage75,266 miles
Since last MOT+1,076 miles
PASS
Mileage74,190 miles
Since last MOT+512 miles
PASS
Mileage73,678 miles
Since last MOT+4,257 miles
PASS
Mileage69,421 miles
Since last MOT+3,283 miles
PASS
Mileage66,138 miles
Since last MOT+5,677 miles
PASS
Mileage60,461 miles
Since last MOT+1,279 miles
PASS
Mileage59,182 miles
Since last MOT+49,107 miles
FAIL
Mileage10,075 miles
PASS
Mileage56,149 miles
Since last MOT+3,036 miles
PASS
Mileage53,113 miles
Since last MOT+2,752 miles
PASS
Mileage50,361 miles
Since last MOT+2,744 miles
PASS
Mileage47,617 miles
Since last MOT+3,457 miles
PASS
Mileage44,160 miles
Since last MOT+2,249 miles
PASS
Mileage41,911 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage41,911 miles
Since last MOT+2,553 miles
PASS
Mileage39,358 miles
Since last MOT+2,137 miles
PASS
Mileage37,221 miles
Since last MOT+3,252 miles
PASS
Mileage33,969 miles
Since last MOT+3,593 miles
PASS
Mileage30,376 miles
Since last MOT+2,986 miles
PASS
Mileage27,390 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 (2.2L Petrol, M54B22)

Nut on oil pump drive shaft loosens (resonance at high RPM).[1]

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

RegistrationLM52 MBU
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2171cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeLM — Stanmore, London
Age identifier52 — September 2002 to February 2003

More LM52 M plates

Browse all LM52 M registrations from Stanmore.

About LM52 MBU

What car is LM52 MBU?

LM52 MBU is an silver Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2171cc). First registered in Stanmore in 2003.

What is the mileage of LM52 MBU?

The last recorded mileage for LM52 MBU was 87,844 miles, recorded on 16 Jan 2026 during its most recent MOT test.

Has LM52 MBU passed its MOT?

LM52 MBU has had 26 MOT tests with an 81% pass rate (21 passes, 5 failures). It last passed on 16 Jan 2026.

Is LM52 MBU ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, LM52 MBU 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 LM52 MBU?

LM52 MBU is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 52 means registered between 1 September 2002 and 28 February 2003.