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 1995cc has had 19 MOT tests on record, passing 11 and failing 8 (58% pass rate). It has 105,602 miles on the clock, averaging 5,636 miles per year, below the UK average of 7,400. The 2.0i engine is known for valve stem seals. Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.
MOT & Mileage History for SO53 ECF
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
Below average| Latest reading | 105,602 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 7 |
| Average per year | 5,636 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check SO53 ECF
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Full MOT Test History 19 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).
Valve stem seals (part of cylinder head valve train)
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | SO53 ECF |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Black |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 1995cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | SO — Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More SO53 E plates
Browse all SO53 E registrations from Edinburgh.
About SO53 ECF
What car is SO53 ECF?
SO53 ECF is an black Bmw 3 Series, petrol (1995cc). First registered in Edinburgh in 2003.
What is the mileage of SO53 ECF?
The last recorded mileage for SO53 ECF was 105,602 miles, recorded on 10 Sep 2018 during its most recent MOT test.
Has SO53 ECF passed its MOT?
SO53 ECF has had 19 MOT tests with a 58% pass rate (11 passes, 8 failures). It last passed on 10 Sep 2018.
Is SO53 ECF ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, SO53 ECF 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 SO53 ECF?
SO53 ECF is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.