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LW53 BHP

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2171cc

Grey Registered in Sidcup, London · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine2171cc
ColourGrey
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 13 MOT tests on record, passing 8 and failing 5 (62% pass rate). It has 84,500 miles on the clock, averaging 6,696 miles per year, 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 LW53 BHP

MOT Status
Due date passed
84,500
Last Mileage
Recorded
13
Total Tests
Since 2006
62%
Pass Rate
8 passed, 5 failed

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

5

MOT failures recorded

Out of 13 tests on record
6,696

Average miles/year

Below UK average of 7,400
3

Gaps in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Below average
Latest reading84,500 miles
Reading date
Average per year6,696
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for LW53 BHP 22k38k53k69k85k '06'15'12

Check LW53 BHP

Full MOT Test History 13 tests on record

PASS
Mileage84,500 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage84,500 miles
Since last MOT+5,199 miles
PASS
Mileage79,301 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage79,301 miles
PASS
Mileage93,349 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage93,349 miles
PASS
Mileage97,081 miles
Since last MOT+4,849 miles
PASS
Mileage92,232 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage92,232 miles
Since last MOT+44,685 miles
PASS
Mileage47,547 miles
Since last MOT+2 miles
FAIL
Mileage47,545 miles
Since last MOT+12,825 miles
PASS
Mileage34,720 miles
Since last MOT+12,812 miles
PASS
Mileage21,908 miles

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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 (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

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Thinking about buying this car? These resources will help you make an informed decision.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationLW53 BHP
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourGrey
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2171cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeLW — Sidcup, London
Age identifier53 — September 2003 to February 2004

More LW53 B plates

Browse all LW53 B registrations from Sidcup.

About LW53 BHP

What car is LW53 BHP?

LW53 BHP is an grey Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2171cc). First registered in Sidcup in 2003.

What is the mileage of LW53 BHP?

The last recorded mileage for LW53 BHP was 84,500 miles, recorded on 3 Dec 2015 during its most recent MOT test.

Has LW53 BHP passed its MOT?

LW53 BHP has had 13 MOT tests with a 62% pass rate (8 passes, 5 failures). It last passed on 3 Dec 2015.

Is LW53 BHP ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, LW53 BHP 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 BHP?

LW53 BHP is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.