2004 BMW M3 · 5,193 MOT tests
2004 BMW M3 reliability
2004 BMW M3s fail 16.5% of first MOT tests, 61% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 18 M3 years (5,193 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- 16.5%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW M3s: 12.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 61% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 95,621
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,193
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 61% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 61% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Strong point: suspension, 74% 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 M3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics6.3%
- Brakes5.1%
- Suspension4.2%
- Tyres2.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.1%
- Seat belts and airbags1.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.21%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Headlamp aim set too low 1.14%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Headlamp levelling device inoperative 1.04%
A faulty levelling device means the headlamps may dazzle others or light the road poorly when the car is loaded.
Coil spring fractured or broken 0.98%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 0.85%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Windscreen washers not working 0.83%
Without working washers the windscreen cannot be cleaned while driving, which is a safety risk in dirty weather.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (10.69%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.26%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.99%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (2.89%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (2.89%) · Transmission oil leak, not excessive (2.45%)
Other years
Every BMW M3 year
The full picture: BMW M3 reliability. Before you pay for any BMW M3, 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 M3 reliable?
2004 BMW M3s fail 16.5% of first MOT tests, 61% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 18 M3 years (5,193 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 BMW M3 MOT?
Most often rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (1.21% of tests), headlamp aim set too low (1.14% of tests), headlamp levelling device inoperative (1.04% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 BMW M3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2004 BMW M3 shows 95,621 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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