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 15 MOT tests on record, passing 13 and failing 2 (87% pass rate). It has 157,795 miles on the clock, averaging 10,020 miles per year, above 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 LW53 BGV
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
Above average| Latest reading | 157,795 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 6,130 |
| Average per year | 10,020 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check LW53 BGV
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- Warranty work logged
Full MOT Test History 15 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 | LW53 BGV |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Grey |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2979cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | LW — Sidcup, London |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More LW53 B plates
Browse all LW53 B registrations from Sidcup.
About LW53 BGV
What car is LW53 BGV?
LW53 BGV is an grey Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Sidcup in 2003.
What is the mileage of LW53 BGV?
The last recorded mileage for LW53 BGV was 157,795 miles, recorded on 31 Jan 2019 during its most recent MOT test.
Has LW53 BGV passed its MOT?
LW53 BGV has had 15 MOT tests with an 87% pass rate (13 passes, 2 failures). It last passed on 31 Jan 2019.
Is LW53 BGV ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, LW53 BGV 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 LW53 BGV?
LW53 BGV is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.