2004 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · AF04 ANJ

The 2004 BMW M3 presents as roadworthy with a stable maintenance trend, evidenced by the most recent DVSA test on 2 October 2025 at 86,937 miles returning a pass with no defects recorded. Prior to that, the July 2024 cycle showed a clean pass at 86,186 miles alongside an anomalous failed attempt on the same date and mileage with no defects listed, likely an administrative or procedural rejection rather than a mechanical fault. Across the 2022 to 2025 records, every completed test passed without advisories, indicating no worsening pattern of wear or recurring defects. The odometer sat at 84,232 miles for the 11 July 2022 test and rose only to 84,362 miles by 11 July 2023, a mere 130 miles in twelve months. By 4 July 2024 the car had covered 86,186 miles, adding roughly 1,824 miles, then gained just 751 miles to the October 2025 figure of 86,937. Against a 22-year life this equates to about 3,952 miles per year, confirming exceptionally low use. The sparse, clean record gives little evidence of neglected consumables, though long stationary periods implied by the flat 2022 to 2023 mileage can permit corrosion or seized components unseen in the tests. A buyer should still commission an in-person inspection of structural integrity and underbody corrosion, as the MOT history carries no advisories yet a two-decade-old performance saloon stored for long stretches may hide rust on subframes or sills. The E46 M3 suspension bushes, rear trailing arm mounts, and coil springs warrant physical checks for perishing from age rather than mileage. Brake discs and calipers should be assessed for binding after standing, and the V8 vanos system and cooling hoses examined given the low annual use. No recurring mechanical faults appear in the official data, so the vehicle shows no trend of deferred upkeep beyond the unexplained 2024 failure with zero defects. The previous keeper appears to have maintained statutory testing punctually with minimal driving, but low mileage alone does not certify drivetrain health. A pre-purchase mechanical appraisal remains prudent before commitment.