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 2004 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2979cc has had 24 MOT tests on record, passing 15 and failing 9 (63% pass rate). It has 139,572 miles on the clock, averaging 5,771 miles per year, below 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 UAT
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 | 139,572 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 536 |
| Average per year | 5,771 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check VA53 UAT
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Full MOT Test History 24 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).
M54 3.0L (M54B30)
Water pump (engine-driven, plastic impeller type) and thermostat
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
Explore more about the Bmw 3 Series
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | VA53 UAT |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2979cc |
| Year | 2004 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | VA — Worcester, Severn Valley |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More VA53 U plates
Browse all VA53 U registrations from Worcester.
About VA53 UAT
What car is VA53 UAT?
VA53 UAT is a blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Worcester in 2004.
What is the mileage of VA53 UAT?
The last recorded mileage for VA53 UAT was 139,572 miles, recorded on 26 Aug 2022 during its most recent MOT test.
Has VA53 UAT passed its MOT?
VA53 UAT has had 24 MOT tests with a 63% pass rate (15 passes, 9 failures). It last passed on 26 Aug 2022.
Is VA53 UAT ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, VA53 UAT is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a petrol vehicle registered in 2004, 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 UAT?
VA53 UAT is approximately 22 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.