2004 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Petrol · RL04 FWZ
2004 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, petrol). First registered 17 Aug 2004. Recorded mileage 107,135 miles. MOT expired on 31 Mar 2025. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 31 Mar 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 107,135 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 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.
RL04 FWZ Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 02/04/2024
- 107,135 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RL04 FWZ 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 (RL04 FWZ) between October 2022 and April 2024.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 02 April 2024 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), Suspension (3 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 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.
RL04 FWZ Mileage History
- 08/10/2022103,828 mi
- 08/10/2022103,828 mi
- 02/04/2024107,135 mi+3,307 mi
Average of roughly 2,229 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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: Poor
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.
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (RL04 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as RL04FWZ.
SMART (MCC)
FORTWO COUPE
MERCEDES-BENZ
SLK
MERCEDES-BENZ
C
MERCEDES-BENZ
SLK
SMART
ROADSTER COUPE 80 AUTO(RHD)
MERCEDES-BENZ
E
MERCEDES-BENZ
SLK
VAUXHALL
ASTRA
BMW
X5
BMW
730
MINI
MINI
FORD
FIESTA
BMW 3 SERIES 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 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.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.