Free MOT Check →Full MOT history & mileage Service History £6.99 →Full refund if no data found Full Car Check £7.49 →Crashed, financed & ownership data by Experian
SA03 ESJ

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2171cc

Black Registered in Glasgow, Scotland · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine2171cc
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 2171cc has had 28 MOT tests on record, passing 17 and failing 11 (61% pass rate). It has 106,385 miles on the clock, averaging 5,354 miles per year, below 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 SA03 ESJ

MOT Status
Due date passed
106,385
Last Mileage
Recorded
28
Total Tests
Since 2006
61%
Pass Rate
17 passed, 11 failed

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

11

MOT failures recorded

Out of 28 tests on record
5,354

Average miles/year

Below UK average of 7,400
3

Gaps in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Below average
Latest reading106,385 miles
Reading date
Average per year5,354
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for SA03 ESJ 27k47k67k86k106k '06'21'14

Check SA03 ESJ

Full MOT Test History 28 tests on record

PASS
Mileage106,385 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage106,385 miles
Since last MOT+1,480 miles
PASS
Mileage104,905 miles
Since last MOT+9 miles
FAIL
Mileage104,896 miles
Since last MOT+1,632 miles
PASS
Mileage103,264 miles
Since last MOT+30 miles
FAIL
Mileage103,234 miles
Since last MOT+1,472 miles
PASS
Mileage101,762 miles
Since last MOT+93 miles
FAIL
Mileage101,669 miles
Since last MOT+1,853 miles
PASS
Mileage99,816 miles
Since last MOT+4,645 miles
PASS
Mileage95,171 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage95,171 miles
Since last MOT+2,082 miles
PASS
Mileage93,089 miles
Since last MOT+1 miles
FAIL
Mileage93,088 miles
Since last MOT+3,448 miles
PASS
Mileage89,640 miles
Since last MOT+6,233 miles
PASS
Mileage83,407 miles
Since last MOT+13,553 miles
PASS
Mileage69,854 miles
Since last MOT+5 miles
FAIL
Mileage69,849 miles
Since last MOT+3,006 miles
PASS
Mileage66,843 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage66,843 miles
Since last MOT+10,797 miles
PASS
Mileage56,046 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage56,046 miles
Since last MOT+5,346 miles
PASS
Mileage50,700 miles
Since last MOT+7,340 miles
PASS
Mileage43,360 miles
Since last MOT+6,787 miles
PASS
Mileage36,573 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage36,573 miles
Since last MOT+2,043 miles
PASS
Mileage34,530 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage34,530 miles
Since last MOT+7,890 miles
PASS
Mileage26,640 miles

Similar cars to consider

Buyers comparing the Bmw 3 Series often also look at these models. Check their MOT history and reliability before deciding:

🔧 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]

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

RegistrationSA03 ESJ
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlack
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2171cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeSA — Glasgow, Scotland
Age identifier03 — March 2003 to August 2003

More SA03 E plates

Browse all SA03 E registrations from Glasgow.

About SA03 ESJ

What car is SA03 ESJ?

SA03 ESJ is an black Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2171cc). First registered in Glasgow in 2003.

What is the mileage of SA03 ESJ?

The last recorded mileage for SA03 ESJ was 106,385 miles, recorded on 5 Mar 2021 during its most recent MOT test.

Has SA03 ESJ passed its MOT?

SA03 ESJ has had 28 MOT tests with a 61% pass rate (17 passes, 11 failures). It last passed on 5 Mar 2021.

Is SA03 ESJ ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, SA03 ESJ 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 SA03 ESJ?

SA03 ESJ is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 03 means registered between 1 March 2003 and 31 August 2003.