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 1995cc has had 22 MOT tests on record, passing 19 and failing 3 (86% pass rate). It has 66,614 miles on the clock, averaging 2,152 miles per year, well below the UK average of 7,400. The 2.0i engine is known for valve stem seals. Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.
MOT & Mileage History for RA03 RLU
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
Low mileage| Latest reading | 66,614 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 2,272 |
| Average per year | 2,152 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check RA03 RLU
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Full MOT Test History 22 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).
Valve stem seals (part of cylinder head valve train)
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
Explore more about the Bmw 3 Series
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | RA03 RLU |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 1995cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | RA — Reading, Reading |
| Age identifier | 03 — March 2003 to August 2003 |
More RA03 R plates
Browse all RA03 R registrations from Reading.
About RA03 RLU
What car is RA03 RLU?
RA03 RLU is an blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (1995cc). First registered in Reading in 2003.
What is the mileage of RA03 RLU?
The last recorded mileage for RA03 RLU was 66,614 miles, recorded on 13 Oct 2025 during its most recent MOT test.
Has RA03 RLU passed its MOT?
RA03 RLU has had 22 MOT tests with an 86% pass rate (19 passes, 3 failures). It last passed on 13 Oct 2025.
Is RA03 RLU ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, RA03 RLU 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 RA03 RLU?
RA03 RLU is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 03 means registered between 1 March 2003 and 31 August 2003.