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 23 MOT tests on record, passing 15 and failing 8 (65% pass rate). It has 145,210 miles on the clock, averaging 5,319 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 RA52 SZE
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 | 145,210 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 87 |
| Average per year | 5,319 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check RA52 SZE
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Full MOT Test History 23 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
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | RA52 SZE |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2979cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | RA — Reading, Reading |
| Age identifier | 52 — September 2002 to February 2003 |
More RA52 S plates
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About RA52 SZE
What car is RA52 SZE?
RA52 SZE is an blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Reading in 2003.
What is the mileage of RA52 SZE?
The last recorded mileage for RA52 SZE was 145,210 miles, recorded on 27 Jul 2026 during its most recent MOT test.
Has RA52 SZE passed its MOT?
RA52 SZE has had 23 MOT tests with a 65% pass rate (15 passes, 8 failures). It last was tested on 27 Jul 2026.
Is RA52 SZE ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, RA52 SZE 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 SZE?
RA52 SZE is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 52 means registered between 1 September 2002 and 28 February 2003.