2004 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · G3 RLA
2004 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 12 Mar 2004. Recorded mileage 151,379 miles. MOT valid until 11 Oct 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Maidstone
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 11 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 151,379 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.
G3 RLA Key Findings
- 25 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 07/10/2025
- 151,379 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 5 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
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.
G3 RLA Mileage History
- 05/07/200628,383 mi
- 16/05/200737,234 mi+8,851 mi
- 17/05/200737,234 mi
- 09/05/200847,986 mi+10,752 mi
- 13/07/200958,066 mi+10,080 mi
- 15/07/201066,717 mi+8,651 mi
- 21/07/201172,234 mi+5,517 mi
- 23/08/201280,066 mi+7,832 mi
- 23/08/201385,477 mi+5,411 mi
- 18/08/201493,393 mi+7,916 mi
- 19/08/201493,393 mi
- 29/08/2015100,219 mi+6,826 mi
- 30/07/2016105,010 mi+4,791 mi
- 14/09/2017110,822 mi+5,812 mi
- 01/09/2018116,256 mi+5,434 mi
- 16/09/2019121,722 mi+5,466 mi
- 28/08/2020126,221 mi+4,499 mi
- 06/10/2021130,734 mi+4,513 mi
- 05/10/2022135,754 mi+5,020 mi
- 13/10/2022135,901 mi+147 mi
- 07/10/2023140,818 mi+4,917 mi
- 11/10/2023140,852 mi+34 mi
- 21/09/2024145,334 mi+4,482 mi
- 04/10/2025151,379 mi+6,045 mi
- 07/10/2025151,379 mi
Average of roughly 6,387 miles per year across 25 recorded odometer readings.
G3 RLA MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
25 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 BMW M3 (G3 RLA) between July 2006 and October 2025.
The record contains 20 passes and 5 failures.
The most recent test on 07 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 5 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (18 issues), Tyres (13 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Windscreen (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 34 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: “Shock absorbers insecurely attached Top mount (5.3.2 (a) (i))”; “Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))”; “Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))”.
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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