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RA52 OUW

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Blue Registered in Reading, Reading · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
ColourBlue
ULEZ (est.)Likely Non-compliantPetrol pre-2006
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 Petrol 2979cc has had 13 MOT tests on record, passing 11 and failing 2 (85% pass rate). It has 145,322 miles on the clock, averaging 10,647 miles per year, above 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 RA52 OUW

MOT Status
Due date passed
145,322
Last Mileage
Recorded
13
Total Tests
Since 2006
85%
Pass Rate
11 passed, 2 failed

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

2

MOT failures recorded

Out of 13 tests on record
10,647

Average miles/year

Above UK average of 7,400
1

Gap in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Above average
Latest reading145,322 miles
Reading date
Miles last year14,981
Average per year10,647
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for RA52 OUW 44k69k95k120k145k '06'15'11

Check RA52 OUW

Full MOT Test History 13 tests on record

PASS
Mileage145,322 miles
Since last MOT+14,981 miles
PASS
Mileage130,341 miles
Since last MOT+193 miles
FAIL
Mileage130,148 miles
Since last MOT+17,417 miles
PASS
Mileage112,731 miles
Since last MOT+10,402 miles
PASS
Mileage102,329 miles
Since last MOT+4,271 miles
PASS
Mileage98,058 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage98,058 miles
Since last MOT+6,861 miles
PASS
Mileage91,197 miles
Since last MOT+6,758 miles
PASS
Mileage84,439 miles
Since last MOT+10,781 miles
PASS
Mileage73,658 miles
Since last MOT+10,770 miles
PASS
Mileage62,888 miles
Since last MOT+16,080 miles
PASS
Mileage46,808 miles
Since last MOT+2,813 miles
PASS
Mileage43,995 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).

M54 3.0L (M54B30)

Water pump (engine-driven, plastic impeller type) and thermostat

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

RegistrationRA52 OUW
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeRA — Reading, Reading
Age identifier52 — September 2002 to February 2003

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About RA52 OUW

What car is RA52 OUW?

RA52 OUW is an blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Reading in 2003.

What is the mileage of RA52 OUW?

The last recorded mileage for RA52 OUW was 145,322 miles, recorded on 8 Dec 2015 during its most recent MOT test.

Has RA52 OUW passed its MOT?

RA52 OUW has had 13 MOT tests with an 85% pass rate (11 passes, 2 failures). It last passed on 8 Dec 2015.

Is RA52 OUW ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, RA52 OUW 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 RA52 OUW?

RA52 OUW is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 52 means registered between 1 September 2002 and 28 February 2003.