2004 BMW X5 · 11,841 MOT tests
2004 BMW X5 reliability
2004 BMW X5s fail 38.3% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 21 X5 years (11,841 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW X5s: 19.9%)
- 38.3%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW X5s: 19.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 17% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 142,858
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 11,841
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1% of tests fail here (59% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 67% 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 X5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics17.4%
- Brakes15.8%
- Suspension14.4%
- Body, chassis and structure12%
- Tyres7.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.9%
- Seat belts and airbags3.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 5.79%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 5.4%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Stop lamp not working 4.02%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Position lamp not working 3.9%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.83%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.42%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (19.55%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (16.64%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (12.43%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (10.97%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.69%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (6.1%)
Other years
Every BMW X5 year
The full picture: BMW X5 reliability. Before you pay for any BMW X5, 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 X5 reliable?
2004 BMW X5s fail 38.3% of first MOT tests, 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 21 X5 years (11,841 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 BMW X5 MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (5.79% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (5.4% of tests), stop lamp not working (4.02% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 BMW X5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2004 BMW X5 shows 142,858 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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