2004 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · E11 SPE
2004 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 21 Jul 2004. Recorded mileage 110,579 miles. MOT valid until 19 Jun 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 19 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 110,579 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.
E11 SPE Key Findings
- 23 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 05/06/2026
- 110,579 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
E11 SPE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
23 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 BMW M3 (E11 SPE) between June 2007 and June 2026.
The record contains 20 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 05 June 2026 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: Tyres (12 issues), Brakes (6 issues), Suspension (5 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 25 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 coil spring incomplete (2.4.C.1a)”; “Nearside Rear coil spring incomplete (2.4.C.1a)”; “Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)”.
E11 SPE Mileage History
- 27/06/200739,662 mi
- 01/07/200849,789 mi+10,127 mi
- 10/07/200960,287 mi+10,498 mi
- 13/07/200960,287 mi
- 05/07/201071,790 mi+11,503 mi
- 05/07/201071,810 mi+20 mi
- 11/07/201181,493 mi+9,683 mi
- 14/07/201181,583 mi+90 mi
- 12/07/201285,955 mi+4,372 mi
- 11/07/201389,733 mi+3,778 mi
- 09/07/201495,535 mi+5,802 mi
- 24/06/2015101,062 mi+5,527 mi
- 06/07/2016102,176 mi+1,114 mi
- 29/06/2017103,173 mi+997 mi
- 27/06/2018104,023 mi+850 mi
- 28/06/2019104,714 mi+691 mi
- 24/06/2020105,325 mi+611 mi
- 23/06/2021106,876 mi+1,551 mi
- 27/06/2022107,837 mi+961 mi
- 27/06/2023109,014 mi+1,177 mi
- 21/06/2024109,696 mi+682 mi
- 04/06/2025110,347 mi+651 mi
- 05/06/2026110,579 mi+232 mi
Average of roughly 3,744 miles per year across 23 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: Good
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.
Vehicle & Plate History
Previous plates for this vehicle
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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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