2004 BMW X3 2.5L Petrol · CA54 RFX
2004 BMW X3 (2.5L, petrol). First registered 29 Dec 2004. Recorded mileage 181,783 miles. MOT valid until 29 Jan 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW X3
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 29 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 181,783 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
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.
CA54 RFX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 30/01/2026
- 181,783 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
CA54 RFX 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 (CA54 RFX) between January 2024 and January 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 30 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
CA54 RFX Mileage History
- 04/01/2024174,142 mi
- 03/01/2025175,090 mi+948 mi
- 07/01/2025175,114 mi+24 mi
- 30/01/2026181,783 mi+6,669 mi
- 30/01/2026181,783 mi
Average of roughly 3,686 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: 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.
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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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