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VX52 OEA

2002 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Silver Registered in Worcester, Severn Valley · 24 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2002
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
ColourSilver
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 28 MOT tests on record, passing 19 and failing 9 (68% pass rate). It has 178,916 miles on the clock, averaging 5,540 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 VX52 OEA

Valid
MOT Status
Expires
178,916
Last Mileage
Recorded
28
Total Tests
Since 2006
68%
Pass Rate
19 passed, 9 failed

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

9

MOT failures recorded

Out of 28 tests on record
5,540

Average miles/year

Below UK average of 7,400
5

Gaps in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Below average
Latest reading178,916 miles
Reading date
Miles last year7,267
Average per year5,540
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for VX52 OEA 70k97k125k152k179k '06'26'17

Check VX52 OEA

Full MOT Test History 28 tests on record

PASS
Mileage178,916 miles
Since last MOT+7,267 miles
PASS
Mileage171,649 miles
Since last MOT+2,432 miles
PASS
Mileage169,217 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage169,217 miles
Since last MOT+3,491 miles
PASS
Mileage165,726 miles
Since last MOT+14 miles
FAIL
Mileage165,712 miles
Since last MOT+2,234 miles
PASS
Mileage163,478 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage163,478 miles
Since last MOT+8,981 miles
PASS
Mileage154,497 miles
Since last MOT+7 miles
FAIL
Mileage154,490 miles
Since last MOT+3,097 miles
PASS
Mileage151,393 miles
Since last MOT+1 miles
FAIL
Mileage151,392 miles
Since last MOT+1,810 miles
PASS
Mileage149,582 miles
Since last MOT+2,130 miles
PASS
Mileage147,452 miles
Since last MOT+1,208 miles
PASS
Mileage146,244 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage146,244 miles
Since last MOT+2,865 miles
PASS
Mileage143,379 miles
Since last MOT+9,572 miles
PASS
Mileage133,807 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage133,807 miles
Since last MOT+11,969 miles
PASS
Mileage121,838 miles
Since last MOT+9,260 miles
PASS
Mileage112,578 miles
Since last MOT+1 miles
FAIL
Mileage112,577 miles
Since last MOT+13,166 miles
PASS
Mileage99,411 miles
Since last MOT+10,264 miles
PASS
Mileage89,147 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage89,147 miles
Since last MOT+8,903 miles
PASS
Mileage80,244 miles
Since last MOT+3,541 miles
PASS
Mileage76,703 miles
Since last MOT+6,449 miles
PASS
Mileage70,254 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

RegistrationVX52 OEA
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2002
First registered
Area codeVX — Worcester, Severn Valley
Age identifier52 — September 2002 to February 2003

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About VX52 OEA

What car is VX52 OEA?

VX52 OEA is a silver Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Worcester in 2002.

What is the mileage of VX52 OEA?

The last recorded mileage for VX52 OEA was 178,916 miles, recorded on 13 Apr 2026 during its most recent MOT test.

Has VX52 OEA passed its MOT?

VX52 OEA has had 28 MOT tests with a 68% pass rate (19 passes, 9 failures). It last passed on 13 Apr 2026.

Is VX52 OEA ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, VX52 OEA 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 VX52 OEA?

VX52 OEA is approximately 24 years old. Age identifier 52 means registered between 1 September 2002 and 28 February 2003.