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VA53 DWJ

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Blue Registered in Worcester, Severn Valley · 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 16 MOT tests on record, passing 12 and failing 4 (75% pass rate). It has 124,679 miles on the clock, averaging 8,185 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 VA53 DWJ

MOT Status
Due date passed
124,679
Last Mileage
Recorded
16
Total Tests
Since 2006
75%
Pass Rate
12 passed, 4 failed

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

4

MOT failures recorded

Out of 16 tests on record
8,185

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 reading124,679 miles
Reading date
Miles last year1
Average per year8,185
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for VA53 DWJ 32k55k78k101k125k '06'18'14

Check VA53 DWJ

Full MOT Test History 16 tests on record

PASS
Mileage124,679 miles
Since last MOT+1 miles
FAIL
Mileage124,678 miles
Since last MOT+5,909 miles
PASS
Mileage118,769 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage118,769 miles
Since last MOT+2,624 miles
PASS
Mileage116,145 miles
Since last MOT+2,688 miles
PASS
Mileage113,457 miles
Since last MOT+3,960 miles
PASS
Mileage109,497 miles
Since last MOT+492 miles
PASS
Mileage109,005 miles
Since last MOT+3,248 miles
PASS
Mileage105,757 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage105,757 miles
Since last MOT+3,689 miles
PASS
Mileage102,068 miles
Since last MOT+13,519 miles
PASS
Mileage88,549 miles
Since last MOT+15,434 miles
FAIL
Mileage73,115 miles
Since last MOT+16,236 miles
PASS
Mileage56,879 miles
Since last MOT+16,374 miles
PASS
Mileage40,505 miles
Since last MOT+8,849 miles
PASS
Mileage31,656 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

RegistrationVA53 DWJ
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeVA — Worcester, Severn Valley
Age identifier53 — September 2003 to February 2004

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About VA53 DWJ

What car is VA53 DWJ?

VA53 DWJ is a blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Worcester in 2003.

What is the mileage of VA53 DWJ?

The last recorded mileage for VA53 DWJ was 124,679 miles, recorded on 25 Apr 2018 during its most recent MOT test.

Has VA53 DWJ passed its MOT?

VA53 DWJ has had 16 MOT tests with a 75% pass rate (12 passes, 4 failures). It last passed on 25 Apr 2018.

Is VA53 DWJ ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, VA53 DWJ 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 VA53 DWJ?

VA53 DWJ is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.