2004 BMW M3 3.2L Petrol · RK04 EBA
2004 BMW M3 (3.2L, petrol). First registered 26 Apr 2004. Recorded mileage 90,591 miles. MOT valid until 21 Aug 2027. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- BMW M3
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Valid until 21 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 90,591 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
RK04 EBA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 19/08/2026
- 90,591 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (16 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RK04 EBA 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 M3 (RK04 EBA) between August 2024 and August 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 19 August 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: Lighting (16 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 22 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: “Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))”; “Nearside Front Service brake grabbing severely (1.2.1 (c))”.
RK04 EBA Mileage History
- 05/08/202486,981 mi
- 06/08/202486,982 mi+1 mi
- 11/08/202589,080 mi+2,098 mi
- 12/08/202589,080 mi
- 19/08/202690,591 mi+1,511 mi
Average of roughly 1,772 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 M3
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: 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.
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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