2004 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · P7 SBM
2004 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 31 Dec 2004. Recorded mileage 186,237 miles. MOT valid until 17 Dec 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 17 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 186,237 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.
P7 SBM Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 18/12/2025
- 186,237 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P7 SBM 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 (P7 SBM) between January 2022 and December 2025.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
No failures or advisories appear anywhere in the recorded tests, so the documented MOT record is relatively clean.
P7 SBM Mileage History
- 20/01/2022134,244 mi
- 22/12/2022145,732 mi+11,488 mi
- 21/12/2023161,760 mi+16,028 mi
- 27/12/2024176,703 mi+14,943 mi
- 18/12/2025186,237 mi+9,534 mi
Average of roughly 13,295 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: 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.
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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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