2004 BMW Z4 · 11,578 MOT tests
2004 BMW Z4 reliability
2004 BMW Z4s fail 31.2% of first MOT tests, 26% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 16 Z4 years (11,578 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW Z4s: 22.2%)
- 31.2%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW Z4s: 22.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 26% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 92,961
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 11,578
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 4.8% of tests fail here (73% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 80% 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 Z4
Fail rate by area
- Suspension11.2%
- Brakes10%
- Lights and electrics9.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.6%
- Tyres4.8%
- Seat belts and airbags4.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 4.1%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.33%
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 2.38%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.16%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.12%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.83%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (17.52%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.67%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.96%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.15%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.12%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.05%)
Other years
Every BMW Z4 year
The full picture: BMW Z4 reliability. Before you pay for any BMW Z4, 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 Z4 reliable?
2004 BMW Z4s fail 31.2% of first MOT tests, 26% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 16 Z4 years (11,578 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 BMW Z4 MOT?
Most often airbag warning lamp shows fault (4.1% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (3.33% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (2.38% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 BMW Z4 have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2004 BMW Z4 shows 92,961 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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