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 2004 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2171cc has had 18 MOT tests on record, passing 12 and failing 6 (67% pass rate). It has 110,003 miles on the clock, averaging 8,249 miles per year, around 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 RL53 AFK
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failures recorded
Average miles/year
Gap in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
About average| Latest reading | 110,003 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 10 |
| Average per year | 8,249 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check RL53 AFK
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Full MOT Test History 18 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 | RL53 AFK |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Black |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2171cc |
| Year | 2004 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | RL — Reading, Reading |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More RL53 A plates
Browse all RL53 A registrations from Reading.
About RL53 AFK
What car is RL53 AFK?
RL53 AFK is an black Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2171cc). First registered in Reading in 2004.
What is the mileage of RL53 AFK?
The last recorded mileage for RL53 AFK was 110,003 miles, recorded on 25 Oct 2017 during its most recent MOT test.
Has RL53 AFK passed its MOT?
RL53 AFK has had 18 MOT tests with a 67% pass rate (12 passes, 6 failures). It last passed on 25 Oct 2017.
Is RL53 AFK ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, RL53 AFK is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a petrol vehicle registered in 2004, it typically does not meet the Euro 4 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is RL53 AFK?
RL53 AFK is approximately 22 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.