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 2002 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2171cc has had 16 MOT tests on record, passing 15 and failing once (94% pass rate). It has 101,806 miles on the clock, averaging 4,870 miles per year, well 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 RF52 VBA
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failure recorded
Average miles/year
Gap in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
Low mileage| Latest reading | 101,806 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 43 |
| Average per year | 4,870 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
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Full MOT Test History 16 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 (2.2L Petrol, M54B22)
Nut on oil pump drive shaft loosens (resonance at high RPM).[1]
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | RF52 VBA |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2171cc |
| Year | 2002 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | RF — Reading, Reading |
| Age identifier | 52 — September 2002 to February 2003 |
More RF52 V plates
Browse all RF52 V registrations from Reading.
About RF52 VBA
What car is RF52 VBA?
RF52 VBA is an blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2171cc). First registered in Reading in 2002.
What is the mileage of RF52 VBA?
The last recorded mileage for RF52 VBA was 101,806 miles, recorded on 4 Aug 2020 during its most recent MOT test.
Has RF52 VBA passed its MOT?
RF52 VBA has had 16 MOT tests with an 94% pass rate (15 passes, 1 failure). It last passed on 4 Aug 2020.
Is RF52 VBA ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, RF52 VBA is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a petrol vehicle registered in 2002, it typically does not meet the Euro 4 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is RF52 VBA?
RF52 VBA is approximately 24 years old. Age identifier 52 means registered between 1 September 2002 and 28 February 2003.