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RA52 UEK

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2171cc

Blue Registered in Reading, Reading · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine2171cc
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 2171cc has had 21 MOT tests on record, passing 14 and failing 7 (67% pass rate). It has 108,972 miles on the clock, averaging 6,065 miles per year, below the UK average of 7,400. The 2.2i engine is known for m54 (2.2l petrol, m54b22). Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.

MOT & Mileage History for RA52 UEK

MOT Status
Due date passed
108,972
Last Mileage
Recorded
21
Total Tests
Since 2006
67%
Pass Rate
14 passed, 7 failed

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

7

MOT failures recorded

Out of 21 tests on record
6,065

Average miles/year

Below UK average of 7,400
1

Gap in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Below average
Latest reading108,972 miles
Reading date
Average per year6,065
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for RA52 UEK 33k52k71k90k109k '06'18'12

Check RA52 UEK

Full MOT Test History 21 tests on record

PASS
Mileage108,972 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage108,972 miles
Since last MOT+1,046 miles
PASS
Mileage107,926 miles
Since last MOT+5,546 miles
PASS
Mileage102,380 miles
Since last MOT+3,506 miles
PASS
Mileage98,874 miles
Since last MOT+4,434 miles
PASS
Mileage94,440 miles
Since last MOT+38 miles
FAIL
Mileage94,402 miles
Since last MOT+3,568 miles
PASS
Mileage90,834 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage90,834 miles
Since last MOT+5 miles
FAIL
Mileage90,829 miles
Since last MOT+3,872 miles
PASS
Mileage86,957 miles
Since last MOT+7,360 miles
PASS
Mileage79,597 miles
Since last MOT+7,057 miles
PASS
Mileage72,540 miles
Since last MOT+10 miles
FAIL
Mileage72,530 miles
Since last MOT+9,362 miles
PASS
Mileage63,168 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage63,168 miles
Since last MOT+7,638 miles
PASS
Mileage55,530 miles
Since last MOT+1 miles
FAIL
Mileage55,529 miles
Since last MOT+12,113 miles
PASS
Mileage43,416 miles
Since last MOT+7,715 miles
PASS
Mileage35,701 miles
Since last MOT+2,379 miles
PASS
Mileage33,322 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 (2.2L Petrol, M54B22)

Nut on oil pump drive shaft loosens (resonance at high RPM).[1]

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 UEK
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2171cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeRA — Reading, Reading
Age identifier52 — September 2002 to February 2003

More RA52 U plates

Browse all RA52 U registrations from Reading.

About RA52 UEK

What car is RA52 UEK?

RA52 UEK is an blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2171cc). First registered in Reading in 2003.

What is the mileage of RA52 UEK?

The last recorded mileage for RA52 UEK was 108,972 miles, recorded on 16 Jul 2018 during its most recent MOT test.

Has RA52 UEK passed its MOT?

RA52 UEK has had 21 MOT tests with a 67% pass rate (14 passes, 7 failures). It last passed on 16 Jul 2018.

Is RA52 UEK ULEZ compliant?

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

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