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MA02 ABF

2002 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Silver Registered in Manchester, Manchester and Merseyside · 24 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2002
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
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 2002 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2979cc has had 23 MOT tests on record, passing 15 and failing 8 (65% pass rate). It has 229,430 miles on the clock, averaging 13,546 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 MA02 ABF

MOT Status
Due date passed
229,430
Last Mileage
Recorded
23
Total Tests
Since 2006
65%
Pass Rate
15 passed, 8 failed

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

8

MOT failures recorded

Out of 23 tests on record
13,546

Average miles/year

Above UK average of 7,400
2

Gaps in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Above average
Latest reading229,430 miles
Reading date
Miles last year7,493
Average per year13,546
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for MA02 ABF 24k75k127k178k229k '06'21'14

Check MA02 ABF

Full MOT Test History 23 tests on record

PASS
Mileage229,430 miles
Since last MOT+7,493 miles
PASS
Mileage221,937 miles
Since last MOT+2 miles
FAIL
Mileage221,935 miles
Since last MOT+7,617 miles
PASS
Mileage214,318 miles
Since last MOT+1 miles
FAIL
Mileage214,317 miles
Since last MOT+7,763 miles
PASS
Mileage206,554 miles
Since last MOT+142 miles
FAIL
Mileage206,412 miles
Since last MOT+14,668 miles
PASS
Mileage191,744 miles
Since last MOT+31 miles
FAIL
Mileage191,713 miles
Since last MOT+17,042 miles
PASS
Mileage174,671 miles
Since last MOT+16,072 miles
PASS
Mileage158,599 miles
Since last MOT+13 miles
FAIL
Mileage158,586 miles
Since last MOT+15,034 miles
PASS
Mileage143,552 miles
Since last MOT+15,174 miles
PASS
Mileage128,378 miles
Since last MOT+10 miles
FAIL
Mileage128,368 miles
Since last MOT+19,600 miles
PASS
Mileage108,768 miles
Since last MOT+24,171 miles
PASS
Mileage84,597 miles
Since last MOT+22,429 miles
PASS
Mileage62,168 miles
Since last MOT+22,778 miles
PASS
Mileage39,390 miles
Since last MOT+999 miles
PASS
Mileage38,391 miles
Since last MOT+6,421 miles
FAIL
Mileage31,970 miles
Since last MOT+1,333 miles
FAIL
Mileage30,637 miles
Since last MOT+7,041 miles
PASS
Mileage23,596 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 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

RegistrationMA02 ABF
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2002
First registered
Area codeMA — Manchester, Manchester and Merseyside
Age identifier02 — March 2002 to August 2002

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About MA02 ABF

What car is MA02 ABF?

MA02 ABF is an silver Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Manchester in 2002.

What is the mileage of MA02 ABF?

The last recorded mileage for MA02 ABF was 229,430 miles, recorded on 12 May 2021 during its most recent MOT test.

Has MA02 ABF passed its MOT?

MA02 ABF has had 23 MOT tests with a 65% pass rate (15 passes, 8 failures). It last passed on 12 May 2021.

Is MA02 ABF ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, MA02 ABF is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a petrol vehicle registered in 2002, it typically does not meet the Euro 4 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.

How old is MA02 ABF?

MA02 ABF is approximately 24 years old. Age identifier 02 means registered between 1 March 2002 and 31 August 2002.