2004 BMW X3 2.5L Petrol · C7 SWA
2004 BMW X3 (2.5L, petrol). First registered 22 Dec 2004. Recorded mileage 157,768 miles. MOT expired on 27 Mar 2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW X3
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 27 Mar 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 157,768 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.5L
- 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.
C7 SWA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 26/03/2025
- 157,768 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (18 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
C7 SWA 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 X3 (C7 SWA) between September 2022 and March 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 26 March 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (18 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 32 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: “Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn front (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn front (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”.
C7 SWA Mileage History
- 14/09/2022139,196 mi
- 14/09/2022139,196 mi
- 26/03/2024149,006 mi+9,810 mi
- 28/03/2024149,007 mi+1 mi
- 26/03/2025157,768 mi+8,761 mi
Average of roughly 7,341 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 X3 (E83)
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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BMW X3 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2004 model year cars.
- Transfer Case Actuator GearModerate
A fibre-reinforced plastic nylon gear inside the xDrive transfer case (ATC400) actuator motor strips its teeth. The 4WD system cannot engage, triggering the "trifecta" of 4x4, ABS, and Brake dash warning lights.
- Rear Coil Springs SnappingModerate
The stiff barrel-shaped rear coil springs frequently fracture at the bottom pigtail taper due to road grit trapped in the lower control arm cups and harsh UK speed humps.
- Panoramic Roof FailureSerious
The complex dual-pane panoramic glass sunroof mechanism suffers from broken plastic lifter tabs that cause the rear venting panel to jam open. Blocked drain tubes also route water into boot electronics and footwells.
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