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 2926cc has had 25 MOT tests on record, passing 14 and failing 11 (56% pass rate). It has 81,569 miles on the clock, averaging 4,166 miles per year, well below the UK average of 7,400. The 3.0d engine is known for 1. glow plugs & relay failure and 2. variable geometry turbo (vgt) actuator failure (m57tu2 only). Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.
MOT & Mileage History for SL52 BUF
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
Low mileage| Latest reading | 81,569 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 619 |
| Average per year | 4,166 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check SL52 BUF
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Full MOT Test History 25 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).
1. Glow Plugs & Relay Failure
2. Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) Actuator Failure (M57TU2 only)
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | SL52 BUF |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 2926cc |
| Year | 2002 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | SL — Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Age identifier | 52 — September 2002 to February 2003 |
More SL52 B plates
Browse all SL52 B registrations from Edinburgh.
About SL52 BUF
What car is SL52 BUF?
SL52 BUF is an blue Bmw 3 Series, diesel (2926cc). First registered in Edinburgh in 2002.
What is the mileage of SL52 BUF?
The last recorded mileage for SL52 BUF was 81,569 miles, recorded on 8 Dec 2020 during its most recent MOT test.
Has SL52 BUF passed its MOT?
SL52 BUF has had 25 MOT tests with a 56% pass rate (14 passes, 11 failures). It last was tested on 8 Dec 2020.
Is SL52 BUF ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, SL52 BUF 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 SL52 BUF?
SL52 BUF is approximately 24 years old. Age identifier 52 means registered between 1 September 2002 and 28 February 2003.