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 1995cc has had 21 MOT tests on record, passing 20 and failing once (95% pass rate). It has 74,644 miles on the clock, averaging 3,063 miles per year, well below the UK average of 7,400. The 2.0i engine is known for valve stem seals. Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.
MOT & Mileage History for MA53 VHV
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failure recorded
Average miles/year
Gaps in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
Low mileage| Latest reading | 74,644 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 1,843 |
| Average per year | 3,063 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check MA53 VHV
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Full MOT Test History 21 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).
Valve stem seals (part of cylinder head valve train)
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
Explore more about the Bmw 3 Series
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | MA53 VHV |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 1995cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | MA — Manchester, Manchester and Merseyside |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More MA53 V plates
Browse all MA53 V registrations from Manchester.
About MA53 VHV
What car is MA53 VHV?
MA53 VHV is an blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (1995cc). First registered in Manchester in 2003.
What is the mileage of MA53 VHV?
The last recorded mileage for MA53 VHV was 74,644 miles, recorded on 20 Jun 2025 during its most recent MOT test.
Has MA53 VHV passed its MOT?
MA53 VHV has had 21 MOT tests with an 95% pass rate (20 passes, 1 failure). It last passed on 20 Jun 2025.
Is MA53 VHV ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, MA53 VHV 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 MA53 VHV?
MA53 VHV is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.