2004 BMW X3 2.5L Petrol · SM54 YNB
2004 BMW X3 (2.5L, petrol). First registered 26 Nov 2004. Recorded mileage 135,214 miles. MOT expired on 11 Oct 2024. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- BMW X3
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Edinburgh
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Expired on 11 Oct 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 135,214 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.5L
- 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.
SM54 YNB Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 04/10/2023
- 135,214 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring windscreen items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SM54 YNB 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 X3 (SM54 YNB) between September 2022 and October 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 04 October 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: Windscreen (4 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Bodywork (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 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: “Nearside Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))”; “Stop lamp(s) not working high level brake lamp (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”.
SM54 YNB Mileage History
- 14/09/2022131,442 mi
- 04/10/2023135,213 mi+3,771 mi
- 04/10/2023135,214 mi+1 mi
Average of roughly 3,578 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for BMW X3 (E83)
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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BMW X3 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.
- Transfer Case Actuator GearModerate
A fibre-reinforced plastic nylon gear inside the xDrive transfer case (ATC400) actuator motor strips its teeth. The 4WD system cannot engage, triggering the "trifecta" of 4x4, ABS, and Brake dash warning lights.
- Rear Coil Springs SnappingModerate
The stiff barrel-shaped rear coil springs frequently fracture at the bottom pigtail taper due to road grit trapped in the lower control arm cups and harsh UK speed humps.
- Panoramic Roof FailureSerious
The complex dual-pane panoramic glass sunroof mechanism suffers from broken plastic lifter tabs that cause the rear venting panel to jam open. Blocked drain tubes also route water into boot electronics and footwells.
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