2004 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Petrol · RN54 AEF
2004 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, petrol). First registered 16 Dec 2004. Recorded mileage 84,437 miles. MOT expired on 29 Jun 2025.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 29 Jun 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 84,437 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Archived Record
Registration no longer recorded by DVLA. This usually means the vehicle is now using a private plate.
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
RN54 AEF Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 03/06/2025
- 84,437 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 12 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RN54 AEF MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 BMW 3 Series (RN54 AEF) between July 2022 and June 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 03 June 2025 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (8 issues), Brakes (7 issues), Lighting (6 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 20 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded to flexy pipe (1.1.11 (c))”; “Electronic braking system warning device indicates a fault (1.7 (b))”; “Electronic stability control switch not functioning correctly (7.12 (d))”.
RN54 AEF Mileage History
- 01/07/202276,339 mi
- 13/06/202379,501 mi+3,162 mi
- 13/06/202379,501 mi
- 10/06/202482,026 mi+2,525 mi
- 03/06/202584,437 mi+2,411 mi
Average of roughly 2,769 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Avoid this vehicle due to repeated corrosion issues, serious mechanical faults, and a recent MOT failure indicating potential engine or electronic problems.
This vehicle requires extreme caution. Insist on a full mechanical inspection, focusing on the engine for oil leaks or internal damage (blue smoke suggests piston ring or valve guide issues). Check for rust on chassis and suspension components, which may indicate hidden structural decay. Negotiate heavily due to the high repair costs implied by the MOT failures. Verify service history for maintenance of the electronic stability control system and brake components. Avoid if you lack mechanical expertise or budget for major repairs.
A 1995cc petrol engine in a 2004 BMW will have moderate fuel economy (around 30-35 mpg) but higher tax and insurance costs due to its performance pedigree. Tax for 2026 would be £140 annually (standard rate). Insurance groups for 3 Series models typically range from 15-20, leading to premiums of £1,000-£1,500+ per year. Maintenance costs are likely high due to the corrosion issues and electronic faults, with potential expenses for exhaust, suspension, and brake repairs. Estimated annual running cost: £1,200-£1,500.
Focus on the exhaust system for cracks or leaks (blue smoke indicates internal engine wear). Inspect all coil springs and brake pipes for corrosion, which may require replacement. Check the electronic stability control system and braking components for faults. Examine tyres for uneven wear or damage (offside front tyre had perishing in 2025). Look for rust on the chassis and body panels, particularly around suspension mounts. Test all lights and repeaters for functionality, as multiple failures were recorded.
This 2004 BMW 3 Series has 84,437 miles, which is below average for its age. However, the MOT history reveals persistent corrosion on suspension components, brake pipes, and exhaust systems, alongside recent electronic faults and a blue smoke emission issue. While it has passed some MOTs, the frequency of failures and severity of defects raise significant concerns about long-term reliability.
No aggregate data available for BMW 3 SERIES, but this vehicle's MOT history shows significant mechanical deterioration typical of older models with high corrosion risk in UK conditions.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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