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WP52 WBX

2003 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Blue Registered in Bristol, West of England · 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 26 MOT tests on record, passing 20 and failing 6 (77% pass rate). It has 145,891 miles on the clock, averaging 5,159 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 WP52 WBX

Valid
MOT Status
Expires
145,891
Last Mileage
Recorded
26
Total Tests
Since 2006
77%
Pass Rate
20 passed, 6 failed

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

6

MOT failures recorded

Out of 26 tests on record
5,159

Average miles/year

Below UK average of 7,400
1

Gap in MOT history

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

Mileage Analysis

Below average
Latest reading145,891 miles
Reading date
Average per year5,159
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for WP52 WBX 42k68k94k120k146k '06'26'18

Check WP52 WBX

Full MOT Test History 26 tests on record

PASS
Mileage145,891 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage145,891 miles
Since last MOT+1,477 miles
PASS
Mileage144,414 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage144,414 miles
Since last MOT+929 miles
PASS
Mileage143,485 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage143,485 miles
Since last MOT+1,136 miles
PASS
Mileage142,349 miles
Since last MOT+2,408 miles
PASS
Mileage139,941 miles
Since last MOT+1,778 miles
PASS
Mileage138,163 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage138,163 miles
Since last MOT+1,516 miles
PASS
Mileage136,647 miles
Since last MOT+985 miles
PASS
Mileage135,662 miles
Since last MOT+5,555 miles
PASS
Mileage130,107 miles
Since last MOT+7,521 miles
PASS
Mileage122,586 miles
Since last MOT+10,169 miles
PASS
Mileage112,417 miles
Since last MOT+13,902 miles
PASS
Mileage98,515 miles
Since last MOT+94 miles
PASS
Mileage98,421 miles
Since last MOT+56 miles
FAIL
Mileage98,365 miles
Since last MOT+4,033 miles
PASS
Mileage94,332 miles
Since last MOT+6,108 miles
PASS
Mileage88,224 miles
Since last MOT+7,284 miles
PASS
Mileage80,940 miles
Since last MOT+8,208 miles
PASS
Mileage72,732 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage72,732 miles
Since last MOT+9,171 miles
PASS
Mileage63,561 miles
Since last MOT+7,493 miles
PASS
Mileage56,068 miles
Since last MOT+14,110 miles
PASS
Mileage41,958 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

RegistrationWP52 WBX
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2003
First registered
Area codeWP — Bristol, West of England
Age identifier52 — September 2002 to February 2003

More WP52 W plates

Browse all WP52 W registrations from Bristol.

About WP52 WBX

What car is WP52 WBX?

WP52 WBX is a blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Bristol in 2003.

What is the mileage of WP52 WBX?

The last recorded mileage for WP52 WBX was 145,891 miles, recorded on 23 Jul 2026 during its most recent MOT test.

Has WP52 WBX passed its MOT?

WP52 WBX has had 26 MOT tests with a 77% pass rate (20 passes, 6 failures). It last passed on 23 Jul 2026.

Is WP52 WBX ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, WP52 WBX 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 WP52 WBX?

WP52 WBX is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 52 means registered between 1 September 2002 and 28 February 2003.