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SM56 WLE

2006 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2996cc

Grey Registered in Edinburgh, Scotland · 20 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2006
FuelPetrol
Engine2996cc
ColourGrey
ULEZ (est.)Likely CompliantPetrol post-2005 (Euro 4)
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 2006 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2996cc has had 15 MOT tests on record, passing 9 and failing 6 (60% pass rate). It has 144,411 miles on the clock, averaging 8,706 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 SM56 WLE

MOT Status
Due date passed
144,411
Last Mileage
Recorded
15
Total Tests
Since 2009
60%
Pass Rate
9 passed, 6 failed

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

6

MOT failures recorded

Out of 15 tests on record
8,706

Average miles/year

Around UK average of 7,400
1

Gap in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

About average
Latest reading144,411 miles
Reading date
Miles last year3,065
Average per year8,706
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for SM56 WLE 66k86k105k125k144k '09'18'14

Check SM56 WLE

Full MOT Test History 15 tests on record

PASS
Mileage144,411 miles
Since last MOT+3,065 miles
PASS
Mileage141,346 miles
Since last MOT+2 miles
FAIL
Mileage141,344 miles
Since last MOT+2,724 miles
PASS
Mileage138,620 miles
Since last MOT+3,605 miles
PASS
Mileage135,015 miles
Since last MOT+8 miles
FAIL
Mileage135,007 miles
Since last MOT+4,928 miles
PASS
Mileage130,079 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage130,079 miles
Since last MOT+5,939 miles
PASS
Mileage124,140 miles
Since last MOT+29 miles
FAIL
Mileage124,111 miles
Since last MOT+4,593 miles
FAIL
Mileage119,518 miles
Since last MOT+3,774 miles
PASS
Mileage115,744 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage115,744 miles
Since last MOT+21,720 miles
PASS
Mileage94,024 miles
Since last MOT+27,984 miles
PASS
Mileage66,040 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

RegistrationSM56 WLE
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourGrey
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2996cc
Year2006
First registered
Area codeSM — Edinburgh, Scotland
Age identifier56 — September 2006 to February 2007

More SM56 W plates

Browse all SM56 W registrations from Edinburgh.

About SM56 WLE

What car is SM56 WLE?

SM56 WLE is an grey Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2996cc). First registered in Edinburgh in 2006.

What is the mileage of SM56 WLE?

The last recorded mileage for SM56 WLE was 144,411 miles, recorded on 18 Dec 2018 during its most recent MOT test.

Has SM56 WLE passed its MOT?

SM56 WLE has had 15 MOT tests with a 60% pass rate (9 passes, 6 failures). It last passed on 18 Dec 2018.

Is SM56 WLE ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, SM56 WLE is likely ULEZ compliant. Petrol post-2005 (Euro 4). This is an estimate based on typical emission standards — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker for a definitive answer.

How old is SM56 WLE?

SM56 WLE is approximately 20 years old. Age identifier 56 means registered between 1 September 2006 and 28 February 2007.