2004 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Diesel · SE04 XUJ
2004 BMW 3 Series (2.0L, diesel). First registered 16 Jul 2004. Recorded mileage 161,312 miles. MOT expired on 07 Aug 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 07 Aug 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 161,312 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.
SE04 XUJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 09/08/2025
- 161,312 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SE04 XUJ 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 3 Series (SE04 XUJ) between September 2022 and August 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 09 August 2025 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: Brakes (14 issues), Lighting (10 issues), Suspension (8 issues), Windscreen (6 issues), Tyres (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 36 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: “Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced under seat next to fuel ta”; “Offside Rear Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Brakes imbalanced across an axle low (1.2.1 (b) (i))”.
SE04 XUJ Mileage History
- 16/09/2022137,306 mi
- 22/09/2022137,306 mi
- 27/06/2024144,158 mi+6,852 mi
- 06/08/2024144,210 mi+52 mi
- 09/08/2025161,312 mi+17,102 mi
Average of roughly 8,287 miles per year across 5 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 (SE04 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as SE04XUJ.
PEUGEOT
206
FORD
FIESTA
FORD
FIESTA
FORD
FIESTA
FORD
TRANSIT CONNECT
VOLVO
XC60 + B5 MHEV AWD AUTO
VOLKSWAGEN
GOLF
FORD
FIESTA
RENAULT
CLIO
PEUGEOT
206
TOYOTA
AYGO ICE VVT-I
MERCEDES-BENZ
C
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.