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SM02 ECA

2002 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Red Registered in Edinburgh, Scotland · 24 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2002
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
ColourRed
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 2002 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2979cc has had 27 MOT tests on record, passing 18 and failing 9 (67% pass rate). It has 127,220 miles on the clock, averaging 4,244 miles per year, well 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 SM02 ECA

MOT Status
Due date passed
127,220
Last Mileage
Recorded
27
Total Tests
Since 2006
67%
Pass Rate
18 passed, 9 failed

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

9

MOT failures recorded

Out of 27 tests on record
4,244

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

Low mileage
Latest reading127,220 miles
Reading date
Miles last year3,057
Average per year4,244
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for SM02 ECA 48k68k88k107k127k '06'25'15

Check SM02 ECA

Full MOT Test History 27 tests on record

PASS
Mileage127,220 miles
Since last MOT+3,057 miles
PASS
Mileage124,163 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage124,163 miles
Since last MOT+3,439 miles
PASS
Mileage120,724 miles
Since last MOT+99 miles
FAIL
Mileage120,625 miles
Since last MOT+1,836 miles
PASS
Mileage118,789 miles
Since last MOT+583 miles
PASS
Mileage118,206 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage118,206 miles
Since last MOT+875 miles
PASS
Mileage117,331 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage117,331 miles
Since last MOT+5,830 miles
PASS
Mileage111,501 miles
Since last MOT+4,561 miles
PASS
Mileage106,940 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage106,940 miles
Since last MOT+3,838 miles
PASS
Mileage103,102 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage103,102 miles
Since last MOT+4,529 miles
PASS
Mileage98,573 miles
Since last MOT+4,997 miles
PASS
Mileage93,576 miles
Since last MOT+4,037 miles
PASS
Mileage89,539 miles
Since last MOT+4,283 miles
PASS
Mileage85,256 miles
Since last MOT+1 miles
FAIL
Mileage85,255 miles
Since last MOT+10,805 miles
PASS
Mileage74,450 miles
PASS
Mileage75,516 miles
Since last MOT+3 miles
FAIL
Mileage75,513 miles
Since last MOT+6,280 miles
PASS
Mileage69,233 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage69,233 miles
Since last MOT+12,372 miles
PASS
Mileage56,861 miles
Since last MOT+9,042 miles
PASS
Mileage47,819 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

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Thinking about buying this car? These resources will help you make an informed decision.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationSM02 ECA
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourRed
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2002
First registered
Area codeSM — Edinburgh, Scotland
Age identifier02 — March 2002 to August 2002

More SM02 E plates

Browse all SM02 E registrations from Edinburgh.

About SM02 ECA

What car is SM02 ECA?

SM02 ECA is an red Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Edinburgh in 2002.

What is the mileage of SM02 ECA?

The last recorded mileage for SM02 ECA was 127,220 miles, recorded on 9 Apr 2025 during its most recent MOT test.

Has SM02 ECA passed its MOT?

SM02 ECA has had 27 MOT tests with a 67% pass rate (18 passes, 9 failures). It last passed on 9 Apr 2025.

Is SM02 ECA ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, SM02 ECA 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 SM02 ECA?

SM02 ECA is approximately 24 years old. Age identifier 02 means registered between 1 March 2002 and 31 August 2002.