2004 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · CE04 LHN
2004 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 26 Mar 2004. Recorded mileage 106,390 miles. MOT expired on 02 Feb 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Cardiff
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 02 Feb 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 106,390 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.2L
- 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.
CE04 LHN Key Findings
- 19 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 03/02/2025
- 106,390 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
CE04 LHN MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
19 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 BMW M3 (CE04 LHN) between March 2007 and February 2025.
The record contains 18 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 03 February 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (5 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Windscreen (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 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.
CE04 LHN Mileage History
- 29/03/200754,996 mi
- 03/03/200858,219 mi+3,223 mi
- 13/03/200959,320 mi+1,101 mi
- 26/03/201061,522 mi+2,202 mi
- 28/03/201168,574 mi+7,052 mi
- 13/03/201274,644 mi+6,070 mi
- 29/03/201380,314 mi+5,670 mi
- 21/03/201485,757 mi+5,443 mi
- 18/04/201589,189 mi+3,432 mi
- 05/04/201690,208 mi+1,019 mi
- 29/06/201792,517 mi+2,309 mi
- 26/06/201897,103 mi+4,586 mi
- 26/06/201897,103 mi
- 27/06/2019100,859 mi+3,756 mi
- 10/12/2020102,841 mi+1,982 mi
- 07/12/2021103,636 mi+795 mi
- 03/11/2022104,121 mi+485 mi
- 16/01/2024105,240 mi+1,119 mi
- 03/02/2025106,390 mi+1,150 mi
Average of roughly 2,879 miles per year across 19 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW M3
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below 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.
Common Problems: BMW M3
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Cooling System Overhaul (E36 / E46)(Serious)
Older M3s share BMW's habit of treating expansion tanks, radiators, hoses, and water pumps as consumables. Overheating one can quickly become an engine rebuild conversation.
- Rear Subframe / Floor Cracking(Serious)
The rear floor can crack around the subframe mounts on hard-driven cars, especially E46 M3s. Proper reinforcement is the lasting fix.
- Rod Bearing Wear(Serious)
S54 and S65 cars are well known for rod-bearing wear, especially if oil changes have been stretched or the cars have seen regular track use. Left too long, the engine can destroy itself.
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BMW M3 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.
- Cooling System Overhaul (E36 / E46)Serious
Older M3s share BMW's habit of treating expansion tanks, radiators, hoses, and water pumps as consumables. Overheating one can quickly become an engine rebuild conversation.
- Rear Subframe / Floor CrackingSerious
The rear floor can crack around the subframe mounts on hard-driven cars, especially E46 M3s. Proper reinforcement is the lasting fix.
- Rod Bearing WearSerious
S54 and S65 cars are well known for rod-bearing wear, especially if oil changes have been stretched or the cars have seen regular track use. Left too long, the engine can destroy itself.
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