2004 BMW 3 Series 2.5L Petrol · X3 DVB
2004 BMW 3 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 22 Dec 2004. Recorded mileage 95,237 miles. MOT valid until 13 Sept 2027. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Export Allocation
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Valid until 13 Sept 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 95,237 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- 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.
X3 DVB Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 15/09/2026
- 95,237 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 7 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
X3 DVB 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 (X3 DVB) between July 2023 and September 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 15 September 2026 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: Tyres (6 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 15 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 Shock absorbers likely to become detached (5.3.2 (a) (ii))”.
X3 DVB Mileage History
- 17/07/202383,790 mi
- 09/08/202488,798 mi+5,008 mi
- 08/08/202593,375 mi+4,577 mi
- 08/08/202593,375 mi
- 15/09/202695,237 mi+1,862 mi
Average of roughly 3,617 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 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: 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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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.
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