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RN53 BFK

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 21 MOT tests on record, passing 16 and failing 5 (76% pass rate). It has 149,530 miles on the clock, averaging 7,070 miles per year, below 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 RN53 BFK

MOT Status
Due date passed
149,530
Last Mileage
Recorded
21
Total Tests
Since 2007
76%
Pass Rate
16 passed, 5 failed

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

5

MOT failures recorded

Out of 21 tests on record
7,070

Average miles/year

Below UK average of 7,400
4

Gaps in MOT history

Periods with no valid MOT — may have been SORN or untaxed

Mileage Analysis

Below average
Latest reading149,530 miles
Reading date
Miles last year12,324
Average per year7,070
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for RN53 BFK 35k64k92k121k150k '07'23'14

Check RN53 BFK

Full MOT Test History 21 tests on record

PASS
Mileage149,530 miles
Since last MOT+12,324 miles
PASS
Mileage137,206 miles
Since last MOT+7,106 miles
PASS
Mileage130,100 miles
Since last MOT+24 miles
FAIL
Mileage130,076 miles
Since last MOT+13 miles
FAIL
Mileage130,063 miles
Since last MOT+171 miles
FAIL
Mileage129,892 miles
Since last MOT+4,763 miles
PASS
Mileage125,129 miles
Since last MOT+6,438 miles
PASS
Mileage118,691 miles
Since last MOT+7,510 miles
PASS
Mileage111,181 miles
Since last MOT+2,849 miles
PASS
Mileage108,332 miles
Since last MOT+13,672 miles
PASS
Mileage94,660 miles
Since last MOT+12 miles
FAIL
Mileage94,648 miles
Since last MOT+7,271 miles
PASS
Mileage87,377 miles
Since last MOT+1,276 miles
PASS
Mileage86,101 miles
Since last MOT+8,212 miles
PASS
Mileage77,889 miles
Since last MOT+5 miles
FAIL
Mileage77,884 miles
Since last MOT+9,761 miles
PASS
Mileage68,123 miles
Since last MOT+11,124 miles
PASS
Mileage56,999 miles
Since last MOT+3,655 miles
PASS
Mileage53,344 miles
Since last MOT+8,804 miles
PASS
Mileage44,540 miles
Since last MOT+9,666 miles
PASS
Mileage34,874 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

RegistrationRN53 BFK
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlack
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeRN — Reading, Reading
Age identifier53 — September 2003 to February 2004

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About RN53 BFK

What car is RN53 BFK?

RN53 BFK is an black Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Reading in 2003.

What is the mileage of RN53 BFK?

The last recorded mileage for RN53 BFK was 149,530 miles, recorded on 4 Apr 2023 during its most recent MOT test.

Has RN53 BFK passed its MOT?

RN53 BFK has had 21 MOT tests with a 76% pass rate (16 passes, 5 failures). It last passed on 4 Apr 2023.

Is RN53 BFK ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, RN53 BFK 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 RN53 BFK?

RN53 BFK is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.