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MW52 LHJ

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2494cc

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

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine2494cc
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 2003 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2494cc has had 27 MOT tests on record, passing 18 and failing 9 (67% pass rate). It has 226,077 miles on the clock, averaging 9,369 miles per year, above the UK average of 7,400. The 2.5i engine is known for m54b25. Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.

MOT & Mileage History for MW52 LHJ

MOT Status
Due date passed
226,077
Last Mileage
Recorded
27
Total Tests
Since 2006
67%
Pass Rate
18 passed, 9 failed

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

9

MOT failures recorded

Out of 27 tests on record
9,369

Average miles/year

Above UK average of 7,400
4

Gaps in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Above average
Latest reading226,077 miles
Reading date
Miles last year1,941
Average per year9,369
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for MW52 LHJ 47k92k137k181k226k '06'25'13

Check MW52 LHJ

Full MOT Test History 27 tests on record

PASS
Mileage226,077 miles
Since last MOT+1,941 miles
PASS
Mileage224,136 miles
Since last MOT+2,537 miles
PASS
Mileage221,599 miles
Since last MOT+6,400 miles
PASS
Mileage215,199 miles
Since last MOT+5,054 miles
PASS
Mileage210,145 miles
Since last MOT+13,655 miles
PASS
Mileage196,490 miles
Since last MOT+7 miles
FAIL
Mileage196,483 miles
Since last MOT+16,907 miles
PASS
Mileage179,576 miles
Since last MOT+82 miles
FAIL
Mileage179,494 miles
Since last MOT+16,713 miles
PASS
Mileage162,781 miles
Since last MOT+14,701 miles
PASS
Mileage148,080 miles
Since last MOT+1,389 miles
PASS
Mileage146,691 miles
Since last MOT+1 miles
FAIL
Mileage146,690 miles
Since last MOT+5,096 miles
PASS
Mileage141,594 miles
Since last MOT+6,765 miles
PASS
Mileage134,829 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage134,829 miles
Since last MOT+6,664 miles
PASS
Mileage128,165 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage128,165 miles
Since last MOT+8,016 miles
PASS
Mileage120,149 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage120,149 miles
Since last MOT+9,464 miles
PASS
Mileage110,685 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage110,685 miles
Since last MOT+14,640 miles
PASS
Mileage96,045 miles
Since last MOT+6 miles
FAIL
Mileage96,039 miles
Since last MOT+27,484 miles
PASS
Mileage68,555 miles
Since last MOT+21,556 miles
PASS
Mileage46,999 miles
Since last MOT+50 miles
FAIL
Mileage46,949 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).

M54B25

Diaphragm ruptures or hoses clog, pressurising crankcase and pushing oil into intake.

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

RegistrationMW52 LHJ
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlack
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2494cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeMW — Manchester, Manchester and Merseyside
Age identifier52 — September 2002 to February 2003

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Browse all MW52 L registrations from Manchester.

About MW52 LHJ

What car is MW52 LHJ?

MW52 LHJ is an black Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2494cc). First registered in Manchester in 2003.

What is the mileage of MW52 LHJ?

The last recorded mileage for MW52 LHJ was 226,077 miles, recorded on 26 Mar 2025 during its most recent MOT test.

Has MW52 LHJ passed its MOT?

MW52 LHJ has had 27 MOT tests with a 67% pass rate (18 passes, 9 failures). It last passed on 26 Mar 2025.

Is MW52 LHJ ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, MW52 LHJ 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 MW52 LHJ?

MW52 LHJ is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 52 means registered between 1 September 2002 and 28 February 2003.