2004 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Diesel · FH04 TWN

The MOT record shows a stable and currently clean roadworthiness status, with the most recent test on 20 January 2023 at 245,698 miles passing with zero defects. The maintenance trend is flat rather than worsening or improving, as the vehicle has repeatedly passed its MOT without advisories or failures across multiple test cycles. The duplicate pass and fail entries on the same date in both 2023 and 2021 are consistent with a retest following a minor initial failure that was rectified immediately, which is a common and unremarkable pattern. No recurring mechanical or structural faults appear in the record at all. The mileage progression tells a clear story of consistent, moderate use. The vehicle covered roughly 19,489 miles between the March 2020 test at 202,410 miles and the October 2021 test at 226,209 miles, then added a further 19,489 miles by the January 2023 test at 245,698 miles. That works out to approximately 9,700 miles per year across both intervals, which is slightly below the stated average of 11,168 miles per year for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the last recorded MOT in January 2023 and today in June 2026 is over three years with no updated test on file. The mileage may have increased since then, or the vehicle may have been standing for a prolonged period, which itself carries risks. A buyer should approach this vehicle with caution around the components that age and mileage will have affected regardless of the clean MOT history. At 245,698 miles and 22 years old, suspension bushes, coil springs, and dampers are well past their typical service life and should be inspected for deterioration, cracking, or sag. Brake discs, calipers, and flexible hoses deserve close attention, as binding calipers and corroded brake lines are common on vehicles of this age even when they pass emissions and brake performance tests. The exhaust system, particularly the catalytic converter and mounting points, should be checked for corrosion and structural integrity. Tyre condition and age are also relevant, as older tyres with adequate tread can still present a safety risk. The absence of any recorded defects is encouraging but not a substitute for a physical inspection. A clean MOT history on a high-mileage vehicle of this age often reflects careful maintenance, but it can also mask intermittent issues that do not present during a static test. A buyer should arrange an independent inspection focusing on structural corrosion around the sills, subframes, and jacking points, as well as a road test to assess gearbox smoothness, clutch wear, and any drivetrain vibrations that a stationary MOT would not capture.