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 2004 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2494cc has had 26 MOT tests on record, passing 17 and failing 9 (65% pass rate). It has 126,156 miles on the clock, averaging 5,597 miles per year, below the UK average of 7,400. The 2.5i engine is known for m54b25. Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.
MOT & Mileage History for RA54 XEW
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 | 126,156 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 850 |
| Average per year | 5,597 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check RA54 XEW
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Full MOT Test History 26 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).
M54B25
Diaphragm ruptures or hoses clog, pressurising crankcase and pushing oil into intake.
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
Explore more about the Bmw 3 Series
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | RA54 XEW |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Grey |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2494cc |
| Year | 2004 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | RA — Reading, Reading |
| Age identifier | 54 — September 2004 to February 2005 |
More RA54 X plates
Browse all RA54 X registrations from Reading.
About RA54 XEW
What car is RA54 XEW?
RA54 XEW is an grey Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2494cc). First registered in Reading in 2004.
What is the mileage of RA54 XEW?
The last recorded mileage for RA54 XEW was 126,156 miles, recorded on 9 Dec 2025 during its most recent MOT test.
Has RA54 XEW passed its MOT?
RA54 XEW has had 26 MOT tests with a 65% pass rate (17 passes, 9 failures). It last passed on 9 Dec 2025.
Is RA54 XEW ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, RA54 XEW is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a petrol vehicle registered in 2004, it typically does not meet the Euro 4 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is RA54 XEW?
RA54 XEW is approximately 22 years old. Age identifier 54 means registered between 1 September 2004 and 28 February 2005.