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
LS53 LHR

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Blue Registered in Stanmore, London · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
ColourBlue
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 24 MOT tests on record, passing 17 and failing 7 (71% pass rate). It has 138,473 miles on the clock, averaging 7,229 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 LS53 LHR

MOT Status
Due date passed
138,473
Last Mileage
Recorded
24
Total Tests
Since 2007
71%
Pass Rate
17 passed, 7 failed

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

7

MOT failures recorded

Out of 24 tests on record
7,229

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

Below average
Latest reading138,473 miles
Reading date
Miles last year3,771
Average per year7,229
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for LS53 LHR 21k50k80k109k138k '07'23'17

Check LS53 LHR

Full MOT Test History 24 tests on record

PASS
Mileage138,473 miles
Since last MOT+3,771 miles
PASS
Mileage134,702 miles
Since last MOT+6 miles
FAIL
Mileage134,696 miles
Since last MOT+4,904 miles
PASS
Mileage129,792 miles
Since last MOT+4,116 miles
PASS
Mileage125,676 miles
Since last MOT+2 miles
FAIL
Mileage125,674 miles
Since last MOT+5,431 miles
PASS
Mileage120,243 miles
Since last MOT+345 miles
FAIL
Mileage119,898 miles
Since last MOT+4,810 miles
PASS
Mileage115,088 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage115,088 miles
Since last MOT+8,257 miles
PASS
Mileage106,831 miles
Since last MOT+37 miles
FAIL
Mileage106,794 miles
Since last MOT+4,595 miles
PASS
Mileage102,199 miles
Since last MOT+13 miles
FAIL
Mileage102,186 miles
Since last MOT+4,251 miles
PASS
Mileage97,935 miles
Since last MOT+3,826 miles
PASS
Mileage94,109 miles
Since last MOT+4,229 miles
PASS
Mileage89,880 miles
Since last MOT+12,811 miles
PASS
Mileage77,069 miles
Since last MOT+15,750 miles
PASS
Mileage61,319 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage61,319 miles
Since last MOT+12,775 miles
PASS
Mileage48,544 miles
Since last MOT+12,855 miles
PASS
Mileage35,689 miles
Since last MOT+7,333 miles
PASS
Mileage28,356 miles
Since last MOT+7,429 miles
PASS
Mileage20,927 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

RegistrationLS53 LHR
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeLS — Stanmore, London
Age identifier53 — September 2003 to February 2004

More LS53 L plates

Browse all LS53 L registrations from Stanmore.

About LS53 LHR

What car is LS53 LHR?

LS53 LHR is an blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Stanmore in 2003.

What is the mileage of LS53 LHR?

The last recorded mileage for LS53 LHR was 138,473 miles, recorded on 2 Jun 2023 during its most recent MOT test.

Has LS53 LHR passed its MOT?

LS53 LHR has had 24 MOT tests with a 71% pass rate (17 passes, 7 failures). It last passed on 2 Jun 2023.

Is LS53 LHR ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, LS53 LHR 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 LS53 LHR?

LS53 LHR is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.