2004 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · 2 FPN

The 2004 BMW 3 Series presents a stable and recently confirmed roadworthiness profile. The most recent test on 21 May 2026 at 126,999 miles passed with zero defects, indicating all previously flagged issues have been addressed. The maintenance trend is clearly improving. A failure on 1 May 2025 at 125,898 miles was followed by a clean pass just eight days later on 9 May 2025 at 125,899 miles, demonstrating prompt rectification of the electronic stability control fault, windscreen washer, and suspension bush advisories. Subsequent tests in April 2024 and March 2023 also passed cleanly, reinforcing a pattern of consistent upkeep. The mileage accumulation is notably low for a vehicle of this age. Covering roughly 1,100 miles in the twelve months between May 2025 and May 2026, and approximately 1,274 miles between April 2024 and March 2025, the annual average sits well below the 5,773 miles per year implied by the total. This suggests prolonged periods of limited use, which can introduce its own concerns such as deteriorated rubber components, stale fuel, or moisture ingress from infrequent running, even though the drivetrain wear is correspondingly reduced. The recurring advisory on suspension arm pins or bushes, flagged in the May 2025 failure, warrants close physical inspection. Although the wear was not severe enough to cause excessive movement at the time, degraded front suspension bushes on a BMW 3 Series of this age can lead to imprecise steering, uneven tyre wear, and compromised handling. A buyer should check for play in the front suspension, inspect the condition of all bushings, and verify the operation of the electronic stability control system, which triggered a fault lamp in the same test. The corrosion advisory recorded in May 2025, noting structural corrosion without significant rigidity reduction, is a common finding on older BMWs. A thorough underside inspection is essential, particularly around subframe mounting points, sills, and jacking points, to confirm the corrosion remains superficial and has not progressed since the last test. The windscreen washer fault from the same failure was minor but should be verified as fully operational. Overall, the MOT record reflects a well-maintained vehicle with a clean recent pass, but the age and low-use pattern demand careful physical verification of rubber, corrosion-prone areas, and electronic systems.