2004 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · M33 BDE
2004 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 29 Nov 2004. Recorded mileage 109,872 miles. MOT valid until 28 Jun 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Manchester
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 28 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 109,872 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.
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.
M33 BDE Key Findings
- 26 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 24/06/2026
- 109,872 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 6 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
M33 BDE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
26 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 BMW M3 (M33 BDE) between August 2007 and June 2026.
The record contains 20 passes and 6 failures.
The most recent test on 24 June 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 6 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (14 issues), Tyres (10 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Bodywork (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 17 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 Road wheel fractured (5.2.2 (a))”; “Headlamp levelling device inoperative (4.1.5 (a))”; “Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))”.
M33 BDE Mileage History
- 31/08/200763,374 mi
- 29/01/200868,131 mi+4,757 mi
- 31/01/200868,131 mi
- 24/01/200972,123 mi+3,992 mi
- 29/01/200972,123 mi
- 09/01/201076,347 mi+4,224 mi
- 15/01/201181,080 mi+4,733 mi
- 25/04/201285,545 mi+4,465 mi
- 26/04/201285,545 mi
- 28/03/201387,299 mi+1,754 mi
- 27/05/201488,683 mi+1,384 mi
- 27/05/201488,683 mi
- 20/05/201589,855 mi+1,172 mi
- 20/05/201691,661 mi+1,806 mi
- 01/02/201793,433 mi+1,772 mi
- 06/02/201896,720 mi+3,287 mi
- 06/02/201896,720 mi
- 08/02/201997,808 mi+1,088 mi
- 16/02/201997,834 mi+26 mi
- 11/02/202099,122 mi+1,288 mi
- 18/02/202199,748 mi+626 mi
- 17/02/2022100,647 mi+899 mi
- 30/06/2023102,154 mi+1,507 mi
- 11/06/2024104,833 mi+2,679 mi
- 19/06/2025107,803 mi+2,970 mi
- 24/06/2026109,872 mi+2,069 mi
Average of roughly 2,472 miles per year across 26 recorded odometer readings.
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.
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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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