2004 BMW 3 Series · 40,714 MOT tests
2004 BMW 3 Series reliability
2004 BMW 3 Seriess fail 35.5% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 25 3 Series years (40,714 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- 35.5%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 3 Seriess: 24.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 20% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 117,012
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 40,714
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2005 cars: 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: brakes, 15.3% of tests fail here (6% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 73% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 BMW 3 Series
Fail rate by area
- Brakes15.3%
- Suspension13.6%
- Lights and electrics11.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.2%
- Tyres7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.9%
- Body, chassis and structure3.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 4.62%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.05%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.74%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.51%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.34%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 2.11%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (19.39%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (18.67%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.99%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.26%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.73%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.13%)
Other years
Every BMW 3 Series year
The full picture: BMW 3 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 3 Series, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2004 BMW 3 Series reliable?
2004 BMW 3 Seriess fail 35.5% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 25 3 Series years (40,714 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 BMW 3 Series MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (4.62% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (3.05% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (2.74% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 BMW 3 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2004 BMW 3 Series shows 117,012 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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