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 Diesel 1995cc has had 17 MOT tests on record, passing 11 and failing 6 (65% pass rate). It has 141,997 miles on the clock, averaging 9,787 miles per year, above the UK average of 7,400. Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.
MOT & Mileage History for RL52 VWS
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
Above average| Latest reading | 141,997 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 3 |
| Average per year | 9,787 |
| Mileage consistency | Consistent |
Check RL52 VWS
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Full MOT Test History 17 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).
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | RL52 VWS |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1995cc |
| Year | 2002 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | RL — Reading, Reading |
| Age identifier | 52 — September 2002 to February 2003 |
More RL52 V plates
Browse all RL52 V registrations from Reading.
About RL52 VWS
What car is RL52 VWS?
RL52 VWS is an blue Bmw 3 Series, diesel (1995cc). First registered in Reading in 2002.
What is the mileage of RL52 VWS?
The last recorded mileage for RL52 VWS was 141,997 miles, recorded on 8 Feb 2016 during its most recent MOT test.
Has RL52 VWS passed its MOT?
RL52 VWS has had 17 MOT tests with a 65% pass rate (11 passes, 6 failures). It last passed on 8 Feb 2016.
Is RL52 VWS ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, RL52 VWS is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a diesel vehicle registered in 2002, it typically does not meet the Euro 6 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is RL52 VWS?
RL52 VWS is approximately 24 years old. Age identifier 52 means registered between 1 September 2002 and 28 February 2003.