2004 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · HD04 EFM
2004 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 05 May 2004. Recorded mileage 136,252 miles. MOT valid until 30 Apr 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Bournemouth
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 30 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 136,252 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.5L
- 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.
HD04 EFM Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 02/05/2026
- 136,252 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
HD04 EFM 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 3 Series (HD04 EFM) between October 2023 and May 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 02 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 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.
HD04 EFM Mileage History
- 31/10/2023127,819 mi
- 02/11/2024132,435 mi+4,616 mi
- 01/11/2025135,564 mi+3,129 mi
- 01/11/2025135,564 mi
- 02/05/2026136,252 mi+688 mi
Average of roughly 3,371 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW 3 Series (E46)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
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.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2004 model year cars.
- Cooling System OverhaulSerious
Expansion tanks, radiators, thermostats, and plastic-impeller-era water pumps fail with age. One overheating event can ruin the alloy straight-six.
- VANOS Seal WearModerate
The VANOS seals harden with age, flattening low-end torque and making the engine feel lethargic or uneven through the mid-range.
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