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 Petrol 2494cc has had 24 MOT tests on record, passing 16 and failing 8 (67% pass rate). It has 178,737 miles on the clock, averaging 5,488 miles per year, 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 RN51 RFZ
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
Below average| Latest reading | 178,737 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 3 |
| Average per year | 5,488 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check RN51 RFZ
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Full MOT Test History 24 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 | RN51 RFZ |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Black |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2494cc |
| Year | 2002 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | RN — Reading, Reading |
| Age identifier | 51 — September 2001 to February 2002 |
More RN51 R plates
Browse all RN51 R registrations from Reading.
About RN51 RFZ
What car is RN51 RFZ?
RN51 RFZ is an black Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2494cc). First registered in Reading in 2002.
What is the mileage of RN51 RFZ?
The last recorded mileage for RN51 RFZ was 178,737 miles, recorded on 8 Nov 2021 during its most recent MOT test.
Has RN51 RFZ passed its MOT?
RN51 RFZ has had 24 MOT tests with a 67% pass rate (16 passes, 8 failures). It last passed on 8 Nov 2021.
Is RN51 RFZ ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, RN51 RFZ is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a petrol vehicle registered in 2002, it typically does not meet the Euro 4 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is RN51 RFZ?
RN51 RFZ is approximately 24 years old. Age identifier 51 means registered between 1 September 2001 and 28 February 2002.