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 2003 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2979cc has had 23 MOT tests on record, passing 18 and failing 5 (78% pass rate). It has 203,360 miles on the clock, averaging 8,877 miles per year, around 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 SM53 FDP
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
About average| Latest reading | 203,360 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 3,528 |
| Average per year | 8,877 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check SM53 FDP
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Full MOT Test History 23 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).
M54 3.0L (M54B30)
Water pump (engine-driven, plastic impeller type) and thermostat
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | SM53 FDP |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Silver |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2979cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | SM — Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More SM53 F plates
Browse all SM53 F registrations from Edinburgh.
About SM53 FDP
What car is SM53 FDP?
SM53 FDP is an silver Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Edinburgh in 2003.
What is the mileage of SM53 FDP?
The last recorded mileage for SM53 FDP was 203,360 miles, recorded on 30 Jul 2026 during its most recent MOT test.
Has SM53 FDP passed its MOT?
SM53 FDP has had 23 MOT tests with a 78% pass rate (18 passes, 5 failures). It last passed on 30 Jul 2026.
Is SM53 FDP ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, SM53 FDP 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 SM53 FDP?
SM53 FDP is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.