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PL03 AEY

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Diesel · 2926cc

Blue Registered in Preston, Preston · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelDiesel
Engine2926cc
ColourBlue
ULEZ (est.)Likely Non-compliantDiesel pre-2015
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 Diesel 2926cc has had 23 MOT tests on record, passing 17 and failing 6 (74% pass rate). It has 195,896 miles on the clock, averaging 10,049 miles per year, above the UK average of 7,400. The 3.0d engine is known for 1. glow plugs & relay failure and 2. variable geometry turbo (vgt) actuator failure (m57tu2 only). Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.

MOT & Mileage History for PL03 AEY

MOT Status
Due date passed
195,896
Last Mileage
Recorded
23
Total Tests
Since 2006
74%
Pass Rate
17 passed, 6 failed

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

6

MOT failures recorded

Out of 23 tests on record
10,049

Average miles/year

Above UK average of 7,400
2

Gaps in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Above average
Latest reading195,896 miles
Reading date
Miles last year2,303
Average per year10,049
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for PL03 AEY 34k75k115k156k196k '06'22'13

Check PL03 AEY

Full MOT Test History 23 tests on record

PASS
Mileage195,896 miles
Since last MOT+2,303 miles
PASS
Mileage193,593 miles
Since last MOT+4,309 miles
PASS
Mileage189,284 miles
Since last MOT+5,177 miles
PASS
Mileage184,107 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage184,107 miles
Since last MOT+5,199 miles
PASS
Mileage178,908 miles
Since last MOT+9,106 miles
PASS
Mileage169,802 miles
Since last MOT+12,429 miles
PASS
Mileage157,373 miles
Since last MOT+105 miles
FAIL
Mileage157,268 miles
Since last MOT+4,576 miles
PASS
Mileage152,692 miles
Since last MOT+7,174 miles
PASS
Mileage145,518 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage145,518 miles
Since last MOT+6,638 miles
PASS
Mileage138,880 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage138,880 miles
Since last MOT+9,601 miles
PASS
Mileage129,279 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage129,279 miles
Since last MOT+10,107 miles
PASS
Mileage119,172 miles
Since last MOT+12,655 miles
PASS
Mileage106,517 miles
Since last MOT+16,355 miles
PASS
Mileage90,162 miles
Since last MOT+663 miles
FAIL
Mileage89,499 miles
Since last MOT+18,664 miles
PASS
Mileage70,835 miles
Since last MOT+18,705 miles
PASS
Mileage52,130 miles
Since last MOT+17,648 miles
PASS
Mileage34,482 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).

1. Glow Plugs & Relay Failure

2. Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) Actuator Failure (M57TU2 only)

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

RegistrationPL03 AEY
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlue
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2926cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codePL — Preston, Preston
Age identifier03 — March 2003 to August 2003

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About PL03 AEY

What car is PL03 AEY?

PL03 AEY is a blue Bmw 3 Series, diesel (2926cc). First registered in Preston in 2003.

What is the mileage of PL03 AEY?

The last recorded mileage for PL03 AEY was 195,896 miles, recorded on 12 Mar 2022 during its most recent MOT test.

Has PL03 AEY passed its MOT?

PL03 AEY has had 23 MOT tests with a 74% pass rate (17 passes, 6 failures). It last passed on 12 Mar 2022.

Is PL03 AEY ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, PL03 AEY is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a diesel vehicle registered in 2003, it typically does not meet the Euro 6 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.

How old is PL03 AEY?

PL03 AEY is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 03 means registered between 1 March 2003 and 31 August 2003.