2004 BMW X3 3.0L Petrol · EP04 UJD

The most recent MOT on 2021‑11‑04 recorded 136,052 miles and passed with no defects, indicating the vehicle was roadworthy at that time. The test is now over four and a half years old, which exceeds the standard 12‑month validity and means the current roadworthiness status is uncertain without a fresh inspection. The maintenance trend shows a clear improvement: after a series of failures and advisories in 2014‑2015—including a broken offside rear coil spring, oil leaks, thin brake pads and tyre damage—the last four entries from 2016 to 2021 are clean passes, suggesting the issues were addressed and the car has been kept in a stable condition. Mileage accumulation has been steady throughout the car’s life, reaching roughly 136,000 miles after 22 years, or about 6,200 miles per year. The gap between the 2020‑09‑28 test (134,296 miles) and the 2021‑11‑04 test (136,052 miles) is modest at 1,756 miles, while earlier intervals show larger yearly jumps, such as the 12,879‑mile increase between mid‑2015 and mid‑2016. The record is complete up to 2021, then falls silent for over four years, which limits confidence in the vehicle’s current condition. A buyer should inspect the brake system for pad wear and ensure the rear coil spring is intact, as the 2015 failure points to a potential suspension weakness. Check for oil leaks at the engine seals and verify that the rear tyres are free from cracking, perishing or cuts, given the documented damage. Examine the windscreen for the noted impact area outside zone A, and assess the prop‑shaft universal joint for wear. The presence of under‑trays and engine covers may obscure corrosion or component degradation, so a thorough underside and engine bay inspection is essential to confirm structural integrity. Recurring faults highlight areas that need attention: the oil leak and coil spring failure suggest sealing and suspension components may require refurbishment, while the tyre condition indicates either heavy use or inadequate storage. The clean MOT history after 2015 demonstrates that previous owners have addressed major issues, but the extended testing gap means a pre‑purchase inspection is crucial to verify that the vehicle remains reliable and safe for continued use.