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MD51 FAU

2002 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

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

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2002
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
ColourBlack
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 25 MOT tests on record, passing 19 and failing 6 (76% pass rate). It has 149,316 miles on the clock, averaging 4,683 miles per year, well 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 MD51 FAU

Valid
MOT Status
Expires
149,316
Last Mileage
Recorded
25
Total Tests
Since 2006
76%
Pass Rate
19 passed, 6 failed

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

6

MOT failures recorded

Out of 25 tests on record
4,683

Average miles/year

Below UK average of 7,400
5

Gaps in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Low mileage
Latest reading149,316 miles
Reading date
Miles last year6
Average per year4,683
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for MD51 FAU 56k79k102k126k149k '06'26'13

Check MD51 FAU

Full MOT Test History 25 tests on record

PASS
Mileage149,316 miles
Since last MOT+6 miles
FAIL
Mileage149,310 miles
Since last MOT+2,459 miles
PASS
Mileage146,851 miles
Since last MOT+8,769 miles
PASS
Mileage138,082 miles
Since last MOT+8,916 miles
PASS
Mileage129,166 miles
Since last MOT+9,423 miles
PASS
Mileage119,743 miles
Since last MOT+1,852 miles
PASS
Mileage117,891 miles
Since last MOT+2,355 miles
PASS
Mileage115,536 miles
Since last MOT+6,065 miles
PASS
Mileage109,471 miles
Since last MOT+3,465 miles
PASS
Mileage106,006 miles
Since last MOT+6,008 miles
PASS
Mileage99,998 miles
Since last MOT+5,320 miles
PASS
Mileage94,678 miles
Since last MOT+651 miles
PASS
Mileage94,027 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage94,027 miles
Since last MOT+1,678 miles
PASS
Mileage92,349 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage92,349 miles
Since last MOT+1,635 miles
PASS
Mileage90,714 miles
Since last MOT+2,460 miles
PASS
Mileage88,254 miles
Since last MOT+5,182 miles
PASS
Mileage83,072 miles
Since last MOT+12,524 miles
PASS
Mileage70,548 miles
Since last MOT+5 miles
FAIL
Mileage70,543 miles
Since last MOT+8,905 miles
PASS
Mileage61,638 miles
Since last MOT+5,731 miles
PASS
Mileage55,907 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage55,907 miles
Since last MOT+259 miles
FAIL
Mileage55,648 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

RegistrationMD51 FAU
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlack
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2002
First registered
Area codeMD — Manchester, Manchester and Merseyside
Age identifier51 — September 2001 to February 2002

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About MD51 FAU

What car is MD51 FAU?

MD51 FAU is an black Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Manchester in 2002.

What is the mileage of MD51 FAU?

The last recorded mileage for MD51 FAU was 149,316 miles, recorded on 30 May 2026 during its most recent MOT test.

Has MD51 FAU passed its MOT?

MD51 FAU has had 25 MOT tests with a 76% pass rate (19 passes, 6 failures). It last passed on 30 May 2026.

Is MD51 FAU ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, MD51 FAU 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 MD51 FAU?

MD51 FAU is approximately 24 years old. Age identifier 51 means registered between 1 September 2001 and 28 February 2002.