2004 BMW 3 Series 3.0L Petrol · RG04 ACY
2004 BMW 3 Series (3.0L, petrol). First registered 14 Apr 2004. Recorded mileage 161,630 miles. MOT expired on 23 Sept 2024. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 23 Sept 2024
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (30 Nov 2022)
- Recorded Mileage
- 161,630 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.
RG04 ACY Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 25/09/2023
- 161,630 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RG04 ACY MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 BMW 3 Series (RG04 ACY) between August 2022 and September 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 25 September 2023 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 (4 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 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: “Front Oil leaking excessively from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))”; “Offside Front Anti-roll bar damaged and seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))”; “Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))”.
RG04 ACY Mileage History
- 01/08/2022160,590 mi
- 01/08/2022160,590 mi
- 25/09/2023161,630 mi+1,040 mi
Average of roughly 904 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution regarding t
Before considering a purchase, ensure you have a professional mechanic conduct a pre-purchase inspection with the car on a ramp. The history of brake pipe and coil spring corrosion is a major red flag that requires immediate attention to ensure safety. You should factor in the cost of a full suspension overhaul and a thorough check of the braking system into your budget.
Verify that the engine oil leaks identified in the 2022 MOT failure have been permanently rectified, as these can lead to catastrophic engine failure if left unaddressed. Given the high mileage, inspect the service history for evidence of major component replacements, such as the cooling system and VANOS unit, which are known weak points for the E46 generation.
As a 2979cc petrol vehicle, this BMW 3 Series will be expensive to run. You should expect high fuel consumption, especially in urban driving, and the vehicle falls into a higher tax bracket due to its age and engine size. Insurance premiums may also be higher for this model depending on your driving history.
Maintenance costs will be significant. Beyond routine servicing, you must budget for the inevitable replacement of ageing rubber components, suspension bushes, and potential electrical faults. An estimated annual running cost of £1,800-£2,200 is realistic when accounting for fuel, tax, insurance, and the high likelihood of necessary repairs.
Focus your inspection on the underside of the vehicle. The MOT records highlight persistent corrosion on the brake pipes and coil springs, so check these areas specifically for structural integrity. Examine the front anti-roll bar linkages and ensure the dust covers are not perished, as these were flagged as advisories in the most recent test.
Check for any signs of oil leaks around the engine block and underbody, as this was a specific failure point in 2022. Additionally, inspect the condition of all tyres, as the vehicle has a history of being presented for MOT with tyres worn close to the legal limit. Ensure all dashboard warning lights, particularly the engine MIL, function correctly during the ignition sequence.
This 2004 BMW 3 Series with a 2979cc petrol engine has covered 161,630 miles, which is significantly above the national average for its age. The MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring corrosion issues, specifically concerning brake pipes and suspension components. While the vehicle passed its most recent test in 2023, the volume of advisories indicates ongoing maintenance challenges common for a vehicle of this vintage.
The E46 3 Series is known for requiring diligent maintenance as it ages, with MOT data frequently highlighting issues with suspension, braking systems, and lighting.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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