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 Petrol 2979cc has had 8 MOT tests on record, passing 7 and failing once (88% pass rate). It has 83,545 miles on the clock, averaging 6,459 miles per year, 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 SO51 LSL
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failure recorded
Average miles/year
Gaps in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
Below average| Latest reading | 83,545 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 4,939 |
| Average per year | 6,459 |
| Mileage consistency | Consistent |
Check SO51 LSL
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Full MOT Test History 8 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 | SO51 LSL |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Red |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2979cc |
| Year | 2002 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | SO — Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Age identifier | 51 — September 2001 to February 2002 |
More SO51 L plates
Browse all SO51 L registrations from Edinburgh.
About SO51 LSL
What car is SO51 LSL?
SO51 LSL is an red Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Edinburgh in 2002.
What is the mileage of SO51 LSL?
The last recorded mileage for SO51 LSL was 83,545 miles, recorded on 14 Dec 2012 during its most recent MOT test.
Has SO51 LSL passed its MOT?
SO51 LSL has had 8 MOT tests with an 88% pass rate (7 passes, 1 failure). It last passed on 14 Dec 2012.
Is SO51 LSL ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, SO51 LSL 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 SO51 LSL?
SO51 LSL is approximately 24 years old. Age identifier 51 means registered between 1 September 2001 and 28 February 2002.