2004 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Diesel · RK54 UYV
2004 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, diesel). First registered 17 Sept 2004. Recorded mileage 217,475 miles. MOT expired on 27 Sept 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 27 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 217,475 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.0L
- 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.
RK54 UYV Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 29/09/2025
- 217,475 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RK54 UYV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 BMW 3 Series (RK54 UYV) between August 2023 and September 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 29 September 2025 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 (11 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 16 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 Anti-roll bar pin or bush excessively worn Anti roll bar D bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Macpherson strut top bush or bearing has excessive wear or free play (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))”.
RK54 UYV Mileage History
- 31/08/2023208,507 mi
- 13/09/2023208,516 mi+9 mi
- 13/09/2024214,855 mi+6,339 mi
- 29/09/2025217,475 mi+2,620 mi
Average of roughly 4,310 miles per year across 4 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: 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.
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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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