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 2979cc has had 19 MOT tests on record, passing 12 and failing 7 (63% pass rate). It has 120,131 miles on the clock, averaging 5,078 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 PL03 VVM
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 | 120,131 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Average per year | 5,078 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check PL03 VVM
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Full MOT Test History 19 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 3.0L (M54B30)
Water pump (engine-driven, plastic impeller type) and thermostat
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
Explore more about the Bmw 3 Series
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | PL03 VVM |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Red |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2979cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | PL — Preston, Preston |
| Age identifier | 03 — March 2003 to August 2003 |
More PL03 V plates
Browse all PL03 V registrations from Preston.
About PL03 VVM
What car is PL03 VVM?
PL03 VVM is a red Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Preston in 2003.
What is the mileage of PL03 VVM?
The last recorded mileage for PL03 VVM was 120,131 miles, recorded on 19 Jan 2024 during its most recent MOT test.
Has PL03 VVM passed its MOT?
PL03 VVM has had 19 MOT tests with a 63% pass rate (12 passes, 7 failures). It last passed on 19 Jan 2024.
Is PL03 VVM ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, PL03 VVM 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 PL03 VVM?
PL03 VVM is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 03 means registered between 1 March 2003 and 31 August 2003.