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RJ03 VWU

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Blue Registered in Reading, Reading · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
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 2979cc has had 25 MOT tests on record, passing 19 and failing 6 (76% pass rate). It has 158,620 miles on the clock, averaging 6,991 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 RJ03 VWU

MOT Status
Due date passed
158,620
Last Mileage
Recorded
25
Total Tests
Since 2006
76%
Pass Rate
19 passed, 6 failed

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

6

MOT failures recorded

Out of 25 tests on record
6,991

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 reading158,620 miles
Reading date
Miles last year768
Average per year6,991
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for RJ03 VWU 26k59k92k126k159k '06'25'15

Check RJ03 VWU

Full MOT Test History 25 tests on record

PASS
Mileage158,620 miles
Since last MOT+768 miles
PASS
Mileage157,852 miles
Since last MOT+3,856 miles
PASS
Mileage153,996 miles
Since last MOT+12 miles
FAIL
Mileage153,984 miles
Since last MOT+5,742 miles
PASS
Mileage148,242 miles
Since last MOT+6,152 miles
PASS
Mileage142,090 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage142,090 miles
Since last MOT+14,477 miles
PASS
Mileage127,613 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage127,613 miles
Since last MOT+9,719 miles
PASS
Mileage117,894 miles
Since last MOT+9,888 miles
PASS
Mileage108,006 miles
Since last MOT+9,610 miles
PASS
Mileage98,396 miles
Since last MOT+9,145 miles
PASS
Mileage89,251 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage89,251 miles
Since last MOT+8,209 miles
PASS
Mileage81,042 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage81,042 miles
Since last MOT+17,022 miles
PASS
Mileage64,020 miles
Since last MOT+6,111 miles
PASS
Mileage57,909 miles
Since last MOT+41 miles
FAIL
Mileage57,868 miles
Since last MOT+5,922 miles
PASS
Mileage51,946 miles
Since last MOT+3,410 miles
PASS
Mileage48,536 miles
Since last MOT+5,820 miles
PASS
Mileage42,716 miles
Since last MOT+5,396 miles
PASS
Mileage37,320 miles
Since last MOT+5,152 miles
PASS
Mileage32,168 miles
Since last MOT+5,952 miles
PASS
Mileage26,216 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 3.0L (M54B30)

Water pump (engine-driven, plastic impeller type) and thermostat

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

RegistrationRJ03 VWU
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeRJ — Reading, Reading
Age identifier03 — March 2003 to August 2003

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About RJ03 VWU

What car is RJ03 VWU?

RJ03 VWU is an blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Reading in 2003.

What is the mileage of RJ03 VWU?

The last recorded mileage for RJ03 VWU was 158,620 miles, recorded on 28 Mar 2025 during its most recent MOT test.

Has RJ03 VWU passed its MOT?

RJ03 VWU has had 25 MOT tests with a 76% pass rate (19 passes, 6 failures). It last passed on 28 Mar 2025.

Is RJ03 VWU ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, RJ03 VWU 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 RJ03 VWU?

RJ03 VWU is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 03 means registered between 1 March 2003 and 31 August 2003.