2004 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · PK04 YON

The most recent MOT on 6 November 2025 at 119,844 miles recorded a pass with no defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory road‑worthiness requirements. Earlier failures in November 2024 (119,844 miles) for a rear tyre ply exposure and front brake binding, in November 2023 (113,495 miles) for a worn ball joint and corroded brake pipe, and in November 2022 (110,127 miles) for an inoperative engine MIL were all rectified before the subsequent pass, showing a pattern of prompt remedial action rather than a deteriorating condition. At 119,844 miles the car averages roughly 5,400 miles per year, well below the typical annual mileage for a 22‑year‑old 3 Series. The mileage log rises consistently by about 2,000–3,000 miles each year, with no abrupt spikes that would suggest periods of intensive use. This low, steady accumulation supports the view that the vehicle has been driven lightly and that wear on consumables should be moderate. A prospective buyer should give close attention to the rear tyres, confirming tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm and inspecting sidewalls for any ply or cord exposure that previously caused a failure. The front suspension arm ball joint and the rubber bushings, flagged in 2023 and 2017 respectively, merit a physical check for excessive play or corrosion. Brake components deserve scrutiny: the front brake system should be examined for binding, the rear brake pipe inspected for lingering corrosion, and pad thickness measured to ensure adequate life. The 2020 shock absorber leaks suggest a need to verify that both front and rear dampers are free of fluid loss and operate without excessive bounce. Finally, the engine management light, which failed in 2022, should be tested for proper illumination and any stored fault codes retrieved, while the headlamp, windscreen wiper, and registration plate fittings noted in earlier advisories must be confirmed as functional. No structural or chassis defects appear in the record, but a visual inspection for rust or damage to mounting points will complete a thorough assessment before purchase.