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 2003 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2494cc has had 23 MOT tests on record, passing 18 and failing 5 (78% pass rate). It has 35,432 miles on the clock, averaging 766 miles per year, well 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 RJ53 OBE
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
Low mileage| Latest reading | 35,432 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Average per year | 766 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check RJ53 OBE
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Full MOT Test History 23 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
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | RJ53 OBE |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2494cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | RJ — Reading, Reading |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More RJ53 O plates
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About RJ53 OBE
What car is RJ53 OBE?
RJ53 OBE is an blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2494cc). First registered in Reading in 2003.
What is the mileage of RJ53 OBE?
The last recorded mileage for RJ53 OBE was 35,432 miles, recorded on 3 Oct 2024 during its most recent MOT test.
Has RJ53 OBE passed its MOT?
RJ53 OBE has had 23 MOT tests with a 78% pass rate (18 passes, 5 failures). It last passed on 3 Oct 2024.
Is RJ53 OBE ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, RJ53 OBE 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 RJ53 OBE?
RJ53 OBE is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.