BMW 3 Series (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 18,555 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,641

£220/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2926cc Diesel

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2926cc22 years old18,555 tests125k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2926cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,641

Per month£220/mo

Per week£51/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

78% of MOT tests on BMW 3 Seriess from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 18,555 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 124,569 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models136th of 470(top half)

Rank among BMW models1387th of 1,548(bottom 11%)

vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+6%(72% avg)

vs BMW average-10%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

124,569

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 BMW 3 Series had 124,569 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 77%. The 2004 scores 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 3 Series by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	93%	908	28,473 mi
2020	91%	7,526	41,101 mi
2019	91%	27,338	48,949 mi
2018	91%	19,475	56,573 mi
2017	90%	8,077	67,957 mi
2016	90%	48,559	80,506 mi
2015	88%	61,659	89,425 mi
2014	87%	63,059	101,192 mi
2013	85%	71,326	106,062 mi
2012	82%	68,955	111,893 mi
2011	81%	57,568	119,984 mi
2010	80%	52,791	122,709 mi
2009	80%	49,275	121,100 mi
2008	80%	48,705	125,171 mi
2007	80%	55,686	130,265 mi
2006	80%	40,353	136,490 mi
2005	78%	24,924	133,038 mi
2004	78%	18,555	124,569 mi
2003	78%	19,201	122,025 mi
2002	79%	14,796	121,727 mi
2001	77%	9,406	117,601 mi
2000	77%	4,799	114,997 mi
1999	78%	7,815	113,190 mi
1998	79%	6,287	122,358 mi
1997	79%	4,853	120,261 mi
1996	82%	3,215	116,915 mi
1995	80%	2,059	114,256 mi
1994	78%	1,263	115,103 mi
1993	82%	1,173	110,323 mi
1992	84%	1,309	110,038 mi
1991	82%	1,861	119,331 mi
1990	84%	3,316	122,194 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Discovery

2006 · 2495cc Diesel

£2,641/year

78%

same

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2006 · 2720cc Diesel

£2,491/year

81%

+3%

Audi A4

2004 · 2496cc Diesel

£2,641/year

74%

-4%

Ford Mondeo

2005 · 2967cc Diesel

£2,841/year

69%

-9%

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About the 2004 BMW 3 Series

The 2004 BMW 3 Series is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2926cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 18,555 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 124,569 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 3 Series owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 BMW 3 Series Fuel Costs

The 2926cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2004 BMW 3 Series?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,641 (£220/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 3 Series Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 3 Seriess pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2004 BMW 3 Series

At 22 years old, the BMW 3 Series is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. With 18,555 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 125k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2004 BMW 3 Series stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW 3 Series(2004)	78%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,641
Land Rover Discovery(2006)	78%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641same
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2006)	81%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491-£150
Audi A4(2004)	74%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641same
Ford Mondeo(2005)	69%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,841+£200

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2004 BMW 3 Series

Is the 2004 BMW 3 Series reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2004 BMW 3 Seriess ended in a pass, from 18,555 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 BMW 3 Series cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,641 a year (£220 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 BMW 3 Series?

78% of 18,555 MOT tests on the 2004 BMW 3 Series ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 136th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (top half).

Which year BMW 3 Series has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 BMW 3 Series has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2000 the lowest at 77%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 BMW 3 Series?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 BMW 3 Series is 124,569 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.