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VA52 PLU

2002 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Black Registered in Worcester, Severn Valley · 24 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2002
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
ColourBlack
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 2002 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2979cc has had 10 MOT tests on record, passing 9 and failing once (90% pass rate). It has 131,244 miles on the clock, averaging 7,664 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 VA52 PLU

MOT Status
Due date passed
131,244
Last Mileage
Recorded
10
Total Tests
Since 2006
90%
Pass Rate
9 passed, 1 failed

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

1

MOT failure recorded

Out of 10 tests on record
7,664

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 reading131,244 miles
Reading date
Miles last year5,801
Average per year7,664
Mileage consistencyConsistent
Mileage over time for VA52 PLU 70k85k100k116k131k '06'14'11

Check VA52 PLU

Full MOT Test History 10 tests on record

PASS
Mileage131,244 miles
Since last MOT+5,801 miles
PASS
Mileage125,443 miles
Since last MOT+8,415 miles
PASS
Mileage117,028 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage117,028 miles
Since last MOT+10,100 miles
PASS
Mileage106,928 miles
Since last MOT+9,219 miles
PASS
Mileage97,709 miles
Since last MOT+9,316 miles
PASS
Mileage88,393 miles
Since last MOT+9,824 miles
PASS
Mileage78,569 miles
Since last MOT+3,010 miles
PASS
Mileage75,559 miles
Since last MOT+5,937 miles
PASS
Mileage69,622 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

RegistrationVA52 PLU
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlack
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2002
First registered
Area codeVA — Worcester, Severn Valley
Age identifier52 — September 2002 to February 2003

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About VA52 PLU

What car is VA52 PLU?

VA52 PLU is a black Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Worcester in 2002.

What is the mileage of VA52 PLU?

The last recorded mileage for VA52 PLU was 131,244 miles, recorded on 27 Oct 2014 during its most recent MOT test.

Has VA52 PLU passed its MOT?

VA52 PLU has had 10 MOT tests with an 90% pass rate (9 passes, 1 failure). It last passed on 27 Oct 2014.

Is VA52 PLU ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, VA52 PLU 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 VA52 PLU?

VA52 PLU is approximately 24 years old. Age identifier 52 means registered between 1 September 2002 and 28 February 2003.