2004 BMW X3 · 9,340 MOT tests
2004 BMW X3 reliability
2004 BMW X3s fail 36.2% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 18 X3 years (9,340 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW X3s: 19.9%)
- 36.2%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW X3s: 19.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 21% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 120,146
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 9,340
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2005 cars: 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 3.9% of tests fail here (18% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 62% 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 X3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics13.4%
- Suspension13%
- Brakes9.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.9%
- Tyres5.9%
- Seat belts and airbags3.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 5.11%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 3.57%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.91%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.71%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 2.51%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Position lamp not working 2.45%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (27.78%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.02%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.78%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.6%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.34%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.28%)
Other years
Every BMW X3 year
The full picture: BMW X3 reliability. Before you pay for any BMW X3, 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 X3 reliable?
2004 BMW X3s fail 36.2% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 18 X3 years (9,340 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 BMW X3 MOT?
Most often engine warning light inoperative or lit (5.11% of tests), anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed (3.57% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (2.91% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 BMW X3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 BMW X3 shows 120,146 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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