2004 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · MY04 CSL
2004 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 26 Jul 2004. Recorded mileage 67,745 miles. MOT valid until 22 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 May 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 22 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 67,745 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.
MY04 CSL Key Findings
- 21 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 22/07/2026
- 67,745 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MY04 CSL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
21 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 BMW M3 (MY04 CSL) between June 2007 and July 2026.
The record contains 19 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 22 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (7 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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: “Nearside Outer Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)”; “Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image (1.2.4a)”.
MY04 CSL Mileage History
- 13/06/200732,418 mi
- 30/09/200837,816 mi+5,398 mi
- 01/10/200837,816 mi
- 04/02/201045,939 mi+8,123 mi
- 17/01/201151,401 mi+5,462 mi
- 26/01/201252,997 mi+1,596 mi
- 30/01/201362,309 mi+9,312 mi
- 31/01/201362,315 mi+6 mi
- 08/02/201464,985 mi+2,670 mi
- 07/02/201565,892 mi+907 mi
- 06/02/201666,894 mi+1,002 mi
- 28/04/201767,153 mi+259 mi
- 20/04/201867,157 mi+4 mi
- 30/04/201967,163 mi+6 mi
- 24/07/202067,234 mi+71 mi
- 21/07/202167,239 mi+5 mi
- 21/07/202267,402 mi+163 mi
- 21/07/202367,423 mi+21 mi
- 05/07/202467,501 mi+78 mi
- 16/07/202567,562 mi+61 mi
- 22/07/202667,745 mi+183 mi
Average of roughly 1,849 miles per year across 21 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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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