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RJ53 YLH

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Black Registered in Reading, Reading · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
ColourBlack
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 17 MOT tests on record, passing 13 and failing 4 (76% pass rate). It has 143,870 miles on the clock, averaging 10,770 miles per year, above 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 RJ53 YLH

MOT Status
Due date passed
143,870
Last Mileage
Recorded
17
Total Tests
Since 2006
76%
Pass Rate
13 passed, 4 failed

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

4

MOT failures recorded

Out of 17 tests on record
10,770

Average miles/year

Above UK average of 7,400
0

Gaps in MOT history

No gaps detected in MOT coverage

Mileage Analysis

Above average
Latest reading143,870 miles
Reading date
Miles last year2,239
Average per year10,770
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for RJ53 YLH 21k52k82k113k144k '06'18'12

Check RJ53 YLH

Full MOT Test History 17 tests on record

PASS
Mileage143,870 miles
Since last MOT+2,239 miles
PASS
Mileage141,631 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage141,631 miles
Since last MOT+6,157 miles
PASS
Mileage135,474 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage135,474 miles
Since last MOT+9,727 miles
PASS
Mileage125,747 miles
Since last MOT+10,292 miles
PASS
Mileage115,455 miles
Since last MOT+19,941 miles
PASS
Mileage95,514 miles
Since last MOT+9,982 miles
PASS
Mileage85,532 miles
Since last MOT+15,901 miles
PASS
Mileage69,631 miles
Since last MOT+14,731 miles
PASS
Mileage54,900 miles
Since last MOT+7,489 miles
PASS
Mileage47,411 miles
Since last MOT+8,379 miles
PASS
Mileage39,032 miles
Since last MOT+74 miles
FAIL
Mileage38,958 miles
Since last MOT+8,970 miles
PASS
Mileage29,988 miles
Since last MOT+4 miles
FAIL
Mileage29,984 miles
Since last MOT+9,140 miles
PASS
Mileage20,844 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

RegistrationRJ53 YLH
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlack
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeRJ — Reading, Reading
Age identifier53 — September 2003 to February 2004

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About RJ53 YLH

What car is RJ53 YLH?

RJ53 YLH is an black Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Reading in 2003.

What is the mileage of RJ53 YLH?

The last recorded mileage for RJ53 YLH was 143,870 miles, recorded on 27 Feb 2018 during its most recent MOT test.

Has RJ53 YLH passed its MOT?

RJ53 YLH has had 17 MOT tests with a 76% pass rate (13 passes, 4 failures). It last passed on 27 Feb 2018.

Is RJ53 YLH ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, RJ53 YLH 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 YLH?

RJ53 YLH is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.