2004 BMW X5 3.0L Petrol · EX04 EMK
2004 BMW X5 (3.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2004. Recorded mileage 194,748 miles. MOT valid until 13 Sept 2027. Taxed until 01 Mar 2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW X5
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Chelmsford
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 13 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Mar 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 194,748 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 3.0L
- 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.
EX04 EMK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 01/09/2026
- 194,748 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (14 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
EX04 EMK 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 X5 (EX04 EMK) between September 2024 and September 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 01 September 2026 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: Tyres (14 issues), Lighting (9 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Bodywork (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 38 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 Tyre has ply or cords exposed 285/45/19 111y (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords 225/50/19 107y (5.2.3 (d) (i))”; “Offside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect headlamp misted (4.1.2 (c))”.
EX04 EMK Mileage History
- 06/09/2024192,623 mi
- 06/09/2024192,625 mi+2 mi
- 10/09/2025193,663 mi+1,038 mi
- 15/09/2025193,668 mi+5 mi
- 01/09/2026194,748 mi+1,080 mi
Average of roughly 1,071 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. The combin
Prioritise a mechanical inspection of the 2979cc petrol engine, as oil leaks were recorded in both 2024 and 2026. You should also investigate the resolution of the Engine Management Light (MIL) failure recorded in September 2025 to ensure no underlying electronic or engine faults remain.
Negotiate the price based on the immediate need for tyre replacements and the 'general corrosion' noted under the body. Given the age and mileage, a full service history is essential, though the MOT data suggests a vehicle that has struggled with basic maintenance items like tyre condition and bulb replacements.
Running costs for this vehicle will be high. The 3.0L petrol engine is thirsty, and combined with the vehicle's weight, fuel expenditure will be significant. It will also fall into a higher road tax bracket due to its emissions and engine size.
Maintenance costs are likely to be elevated given the 194,748-mile odometer reading. Expect frequent replacements of wear-and-tear items, particularly suspension components and tyres, which have been a recurring theme in this vehicle's history.
Carefully inspect all four tyres; the MOT history shows a chronic issue here, including 'ply or cords exposed' in 2025 and 'heavily perished' tyres in 2026. Check the rear anti-roll bar, which has been flagged as corroded in two consecutive years (2025 and 2026).
Examine the underside of the chassis for the 'general corrosion' mentioned in the September 2026 test. Additionally, check the headlights for deterioration and misting, and inspect the nearside mirror, which was recorded as being secured with tape in the most recent test.
This 2004 grey BMW X5 has covered 194,748 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average. The MOT history reveals a pattern of failures and advisories related to tyres, lighting, and structural corrosion. While it currently holds a valid MOT, the records show repeated issues with oil leaks and chassis wear.
The BMW X5 has an average MOT pass rate of 84.6%, with common failure points typically being headlamps, tyres, and anti-roll bars.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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