Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid
Outstanding Recall

2004 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · KV03 DAS

KV03 DAS

2004 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01/03/2004. Recorded mileage 116,493 miles. MOT valid until 22/10/2026. Currently declared SORN. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.

Make & Model
BMW 3 SERIES
Year / Origin
2004 · Northampton
Safety Recall
Recall Notice
MOT Status
Valid until 22/10/2026
Road Tax
SORN
Recorded Mileage
116,493 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
Fuel & Engine
PETROL · 2.5L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults

Outstanding Safety Recall Notice

Action Required

Official 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.

MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 22/10/2026
Tax Status
SORN
Statutory Off Road (SORN)
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
2004
Engine
2494cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT certificate following a pass on 24 October 2025 at 116,493 miles. The maintenance trend appears to be improving, as the three most recent annual inspections resulted in clear passes with no recorded defects or advisories. This follows a 2022 test where the vehicle accumulated several suspension-related advisories, suggesting that these components were either replaced or addressed to resolve the identified wear. The recorded mileage of 116,493 over twenty-two years averages approximately 5,295 miles per annum, which sits well below the typical usage profile for a vehicle of this age. The MOT data shows consistent annual testing intervals without significant gaps, indicating the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being stored for extended periods. The low annual mileage suggests that while drivetrain components have seen less rotational stress, the vehicle may have spent considerable time on short journeys, which can impact engine carbon buildup and exhaust system longevity. Prospective buyers should conduct a physical inspection of the front suspension components, specifically checking the shock absorbers for signs of oil leaks and examining the anti-roll bar linkages and control arm bushes for play. Although the 2022 advisories were not repeated in subsequent tests, these are common wear items on this chassis and warrant close scrutiny. Given the age of the vehicle, a thorough check for structural corrosion on the subframes and sills is necessary, as these areas often escape detailed scrutiny during standard testing. Buying score: 72. Risk level: Low.

KV03 DAS Key Findings

  • 4 MOT tests recorded
  • Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
  • Latest MOT passed on 24/10/2025
  • 116,493 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT
  • Recurring suspension items (2 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
75
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

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.

✓ Valid MOT
! Tax Status Unknown
✓ Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
! Older vehicle
✗ Outstanding recall notice
Experian Provenance Check

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Verified Experian Data

Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for KV03DAS

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Stolen
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Finance
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Write-off
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Salvage
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Imported
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Exported
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Scrapped
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Destruction
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V5C Logbook
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Technical Specifications

ULEZ Compliant
Recall Notice Outstanding

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

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KV03 DAS Mileage History

  1. 04/05/2022110,736 mi
  2. 18/05/2023113,244 mi+2,508 mi
  3. 29/08/2024115,896 mi+2,652 mi
  4. 24/10/2025116,493 mi+597 mi

Average of roughly 1,657 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.

KV03 DAS MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 27 Aug 2026, 12:35
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 BMW 3 Series (KV03 DAS) between May 2022 and October 2025.

The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.

The record shows no MOT failures, although 4 advisory notices note items to monitor.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 4 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.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
75/100
Risk Level
Low
Low
Est. Annual Cost
£1,400-£1,800
Mileage
At 116,493 miles over 22 years, the vehi...

Our Verdict

This 2004 BMW 3 Series presents a remarkably clean recent MOT history with four consecutive pass results and zero recorded defects. While older vehicles demand careful scrutiny of wear-and-tear items, the mileage profile and recent test records indicate a well-presented prospect for UK buyers.

When inspecting this 2004 BMW 3 Series, verify the physical service records to complement the MOT history, as tests only confirm roadworthiness at the point of inspection. Given the 2494.0cc petrol engine, listen closely for any unusual engine notes or cooling system irregularities during a cold start. Negotiate on the price if any major consumables such as tyres, brakes, or suspension components are nearing the end of their service life, as these are common wear items on this generation of 3 Series.

Running costs for a 2004 2494.0cc petrol BMW 3 Series will reflect its larger engine displacement, placing it in a higher VED tax bracket compared to smaller modern hatchbacks. Fuel economy will be typical for a mid-2000s six-cylinder petrol engine, especially in urban driving conditions. Insurance groups for this model tend to be moderate to high, so obtain quotes prior to purchase to ensure it fits your budget.

Pay close attention to common E46-era weak points, including suspension bushes, shock absorbers, and brake lines, which correspond with the model's typical failure categories. Check the headlamps for cloudiness or alignment issues, as headlamp defects feature prominently in the national failure statistics for this vehicle. Inspect the tyres carefully for uneven wear patterns and check the tread depth across all four corners.

First registered in March 2004, this silver BMW 3 Series features a 2494.0cc petrol engine and has covered 116,493 miles by its October 2025 MOT test. Its recent MOT history shows a strong run of clean passes between 2022 and 2025 without a single advisory or failure recorded during that period. The recorded mileage sits at 116,493 miles, which aligns with its age when compared against the model's average annual mileage of 7,328 miles.

The BMW 3 Series demonstrates a respectable 80.5% average MOT pass rate across nearly half a million analysed vehicles, though common failure areas include headlamps, tyres, and shock absorbers.

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