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 23 MOT tests on record, passing 16 and failing 7 (70% pass rate). It has 135,766 miles on the clock, averaging 6,410 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 RNU
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 | 135,766 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 739 |
| Average per year | 6,410 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check SO53 RNU
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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).
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 RNU |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 1995cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | SO — Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More SO53 R plates
Browse all SO53 R registrations from Edinburgh.
About SO53 RNU
What car is SO53 RNU?
SO53 RNU is an blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (1995cc). First registered in Edinburgh in 2003.
What is the mileage of SO53 RNU?
The last recorded mileage for SO53 RNU was 135,766 miles, recorded on 6 May 2023 during its most recent MOT test.
Has SO53 RNU passed its MOT?
SO53 RNU has had 23 MOT tests with a 70% pass rate (16 passes, 7 failures). It last passed on 6 May 2023.
Is SO53 RNU ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, SO53 RNU 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 RNU?
SO53 RNU is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.