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 2004 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2171cc has had 18 MOT tests on record, passing 13 and failing 5 (72% pass rate). It has 118,423 miles on the clock, averaging 6,803 miles per year, below 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 OV53 EBA
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
Below average| Latest reading | 118,423 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Average per year | 6,803 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
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Full MOT Test History 18 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 | OV53 EBA |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2171cc |
| Year | 2004 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | OV — Oxford, Oxford |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More OV53 E plates
Browse all OV53 E registrations from Oxford.
About OV53 EBA
What car is OV53 EBA?
OV53 EBA is an blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2171cc). First registered in Oxford in 2004.
What is the mileage of OV53 EBA?
The last recorded mileage for OV53 EBA was 118,423 miles, recorded on 28 Apr 2018 during its most recent MOT test.
Has OV53 EBA passed its MOT?
OV53 EBA has had 18 MOT tests with a 72% pass rate (13 passes, 5 failures). It last passed on 28 Apr 2018.
Is OV53 EBA ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, OV53 EBA is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a petrol vehicle registered in 2004, it typically does not meet the Euro 4 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is OV53 EBA?
OV53 EBA is approximately 22 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.