2004 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · MC04 CLY
2004 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 16 Jul 2004. Recorded mileage 71,324 miles. MOT expired on 13 Dec 2025. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 13 Dec 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 71,324 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.0L
- 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.
MC04 CLY Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 14/12/2024
- 71,324 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MC04 CLY MOT History
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 (MC04 CLY) between July 2022 and December 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 14 December 2024 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: Brakes (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 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 Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii))”.
MC04 CLY Mileage History
- 02/07/202266,849 mi
- 11/07/202266,859 mi+10 mi
- 05/12/202369,263 mi+2,404 mi
- 14/12/202471,324 mi+2,061 mi
Average of roughly 1,824 miles per year across 4 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: Below 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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- 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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