2004 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Diesel · BC04 ENL
2004 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, diesel). First registered 31 Dec 2004. Recorded mileage 172,906 miles. MOT expired on 26 Aug 2024.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 26 Aug 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 172,906 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
BC04 ENL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 28/08/2023
- 172,906 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
BC04 ENL 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 (BC04 ENL) between May 2022 and August 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 28 August 2023 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 3 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (11 issues), Suspension (7 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 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 Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural streng”; “Offside Rear Shock absorbers likely to become detached corrosion top of shocker rod (5.3.2 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Brake pipe excessively corroded front to rear (1.1.11 (c))”.
BC04 ENL Mileage History
- 20/05/2022161,997 mi
- 20/05/2022161,997 mi
- 01/06/2023172,894 mi+10,897 mi
- 14/08/2023172,901 mi+7 mi
- 28/08/2023172,906 mi+5 mi
Average of roughly 8,568 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW 3 Series (E46)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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.
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Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
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- Cooling System OverhaulSerious
Expansion tanks, radiators, thermostats, and plastic-impeller-era water pumps fail with age. One overheating event can ruin the alloy straight-six.
- VANOS Seal WearModerate
The VANOS seals harden with age, flattening low-end torque and making the engine feel lethargic or uneven through the mid-range.
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