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 2001 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 1995cc has had 18 MOT tests on record, passing 16 and failing 2 (89% pass rate). It has 51,415 miles on the clock, averaging 2,394 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 RE51 VLM
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failures recorded
Average miles/year
Gap in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
Low mileage| Latest reading | 51,415 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Average per year | 2,394 |
| Mileage consistency | Consistent |
Check RE51 VLM
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- Warranty work logged
Full MOT Test History 18 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 | RE51 VLM |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Silver |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 1995cc |
| Year | 2001 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | RE — Reading, Reading |
| Age identifier | 51 — September 2001 to February 2002 |
More RE51 V plates
Browse all RE51 V registrations from Reading.
About RE51 VLM
What car is RE51 VLM?
RE51 VLM is an silver Bmw 3 Series, petrol (1995cc). First registered in Reading in 2001.
What is the mileage of RE51 VLM?
The last recorded mileage for RE51 VLM was 51,415 miles, recorded on 19 Oct 2021 during its most recent MOT test.
Has RE51 VLM passed its MOT?
RE51 VLM has had 18 MOT tests with an 89% pass rate (16 passes, 2 failures). It last passed on 19 Oct 2021.
Is RE51 VLM ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, RE51 VLM is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a petrol vehicle registered in 2001, it typically does not meet the Euro 4 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is RE51 VLM?
RE51 VLM is approximately 25 years old. Age identifier 51 means registered between 1 September 2001 and 28 February 2002.