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SY03 NLP

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Blue Registered in Inverness, Scotland · 23 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2003
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
ColourBlue
ULEZ (est.)Likely Non-compliantPetrol pre-2006
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 2003 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2979cc has had 20 MOT tests on record, passing 15 and failing 5 (75% pass rate). It has 166,113 miles on the clock, averaging 8,972 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 SY03 NLP

MOT Status
Due date passed
166,113
Last Mileage
Recorded
20
Total Tests
Since 2006
75%
Pass Rate
15 passed, 5 failed

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

5

MOT failures recorded

Out of 20 tests on record
8,972

Average miles/year

Around UK average of 7,400
4

Gaps in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

About average
Latest reading166,113 miles
Reading date
Average per year8,972
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for SY03 NLP 25k60k95k131k166k '06'22'15

Check SY03 NLP

Full MOT Test History 20 tests on record

PASS
Mileage166,113 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage166,113 miles
Since last MOT+529 miles
PASS
Mileage165,584 miles
Since last MOT+5,132 miles
PASS
Mileage160,452 miles
Since last MOT+198 miles
PASS
Mileage160,254 miles
Since last MOT+4 miles
FAIL
Mileage160,250 miles
Since last MOT+2,078 miles
PASS
Mileage158,172 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage158,172 miles
Since last MOT+8,066 miles
PASS
Mileage150,106 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage150,106 miles
Since last MOT+19,706 miles
PASS
Mileage130,400 miles
Since last MOT+20,828 miles
PASS
Mileage109,572 miles
Since last MOT+22 miles
FAIL
Mileage109,550 miles
Since last MOT+24,026 miles
PASS
Mileage85,524 miles
Since last MOT+21,825 miles
PASS
Mileage63,699 miles
Since last MOT+6,815 miles
PASS
Mileage56,884 miles
Since last MOT+5,247 miles
PASS
Mileage51,637 miles
Since last MOT+8,301 miles
PASS
Mileage43,336 miles
Since last MOT+9,937 miles
PASS
Mileage33,399 miles
Since last MOT+8,687 miles
PASS
Mileage24,712 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

RegistrationSY03 NLP
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeSY — Inverness, Scotland
Age identifier03 — March 2003 to August 2003

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About SY03 NLP

What car is SY03 NLP?

SY03 NLP is an blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Inverness in 2003.

What is the mileage of SY03 NLP?

The last recorded mileage for SY03 NLP was 166,113 miles, recorded on 7 Jan 2022 during its most recent MOT test.

Has SY03 NLP passed its MOT?

SY03 NLP has had 20 MOT tests with a 75% pass rate (15 passes, 5 failures). It last passed on 7 Jan 2022.

Is SY03 NLP ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, SY03 NLP 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 SY03 NLP?

SY03 NLP is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 03 means registered between 1 March 2003 and 31 August 2003.