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 2171cc has had 11 MOT tests on record, passing 7 and failing 4 (64% pass rate). It has 118,564 miles on the clock, averaging 11,803 miles per year, above the UK average of 7,400. The 2.2i engine is known for m54 (2.2l petrol, m54b22). Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.
MOT & Mileage History for NL53 PHY
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failures recorded
Average miles/year
Gaps in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
Above average| Latest reading | 118,564 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 15,469 |
| Average per year | 11,803 |
| Mileage consistency | Consistent |
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Full MOT Test History 11 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).
M54 (2.2L Petrol, M54B22)
Nut on oil pump drive shaft loosens (resonance at high RPM).[1]
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | NL53 PHY |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2171cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | NL — Newcastle, North |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More NL53 P plates
Browse all NL53 P registrations from Newcastle.
About NL53 PHY
What car is NL53 PHY?
NL53 PHY is an blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2171cc). First registered in Newcastle in 2003.
What is the mileage of NL53 PHY?
The last recorded mileage for NL53 PHY was 118,564 miles, recorded on 25 Sep 2013 during its most recent MOT test.
Has NL53 PHY passed its MOT?
NL53 PHY has had 11 MOT tests with a 64% pass rate (7 passes, 4 failures). It last passed on 25 Sep 2013.
Is NL53 PHY ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, NL53 PHY 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 NL53 PHY?
NL53 PHY is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.