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MJ53 BHZ

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Silver Registered in Manchester, Manchester and Merseyside · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
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 2003 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2979cc has had 19 MOT tests on record, passing 16 and failing 3 (84% pass rate). It has 139,196 miles on the clock, averaging 6,041 miles per year, 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 MJ53 BHZ

MOT Status
Due date passed
139,196
Last Mileage
Recorded
19
Total Tests
Since 2006
84%
Pass Rate
16 passed, 3 failed

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

3

MOT failures recorded

Out of 19 tests on record
6,041

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

Below average
Latest reading139,196 miles
Reading date
Miles last year1
Average per year6,041
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for MJ53 BHZ 39k64k89k114k139k '06'23'15

Check MJ53 BHZ

Full MOT Test History 19 tests on record

PASS
Mileage139,196 miles
Since last MOT+1 miles
FAIL
Mileage139,195 miles
Since last MOT+7,526 miles
PASS
Mileage131,669 miles
Since last MOT+16 miles
PASS
Mileage131,653 miles
Since last MOT+233 miles
PASS
Mileage131,420 miles
Since last MOT+14 miles
PASS
Mileage131,406 miles
Since last MOT+5,247 miles
PASS
Mileage126,159 miles
Since last MOT+20 miles
FAIL
Mileage126,139 miles
Since last MOT+10,507 miles
PASS
Mileage115,632 miles
Since last MOT+86 miles
FAIL
Mileage115,546 miles
Since last MOT+16,285 miles
PASS
Mileage99,261 miles
Since last MOT+12,915 miles
PASS
Mileage86,346 miles
Since last MOT+651 miles
PASS
Mileage85,695 miles
Since last MOT+3,340 miles
PASS
Mileage82,355 miles
Since last MOT+6,082 miles
PASS
Mileage76,273 miles
Since last MOT+4,343 miles
PASS
Mileage71,930 miles
Since last MOT+6,159 miles
PASS
Mileage65,771 miles
Since last MOT+10,476 miles
PASS
Mileage55,295 miles
Since last MOT+16,531 miles
PASS
Mileage38,764 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

RegistrationMJ53 BHZ
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeMJ — Manchester, Manchester and Merseyside
Age identifier53 — September 2003 to February 2004

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About MJ53 BHZ

What car is MJ53 BHZ?

MJ53 BHZ is an silver Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Manchester in 2003.

What is the mileage of MJ53 BHZ?

The last recorded mileage for MJ53 BHZ was 139,196 miles, recorded on 22 Jul 2023 during its most recent MOT test.

Has MJ53 BHZ passed its MOT?

MJ53 BHZ has had 19 MOT tests with an 84% pass rate (16 passes, 3 failures). It last passed on 22 Jul 2023.

Is MJ53 BHZ ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, MJ53 BHZ 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 MJ53 BHZ?

MJ53 BHZ is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.