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BMW ALPINA (2004)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 163 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,757

£230/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3400cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2757/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol3400cc22 years old163 tests75k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3400cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 3400cc

£760
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,757
Per month£230/mo
Per week£53/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

86% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.

At 22 years old, 86% of BMW ALPINAs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 163 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 74,830 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars69th of 491(top 14%)
Rank among BMW models1092th of 1,564(top 70%)
vs national average+4%(82% avg)
vs 2004 cars average+14%(72% avg)
vs BMW average-2%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

74,830

Average miles

vs

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 BMW ALPINA has 74,830 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2018 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 75%. The 2004 sits between the two at 86%.

BMW ALPINA by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202191%18626,604 mi
202097%11232,032 mi
201993%17037,777 mi
201898%12743,619 mi
201790%8753,539 mi
201690%13053,465 mi
201590%18165,952 mi
201493%12093,182 mi
201394%6498,526 mi
201295%10298,683 mi
201186%17694,377 mi
201090%188109,791 mi
200982%223114,033 mi
200890%217102,557 mi
200787%313140,615 mi
200695%151148,080 mi
200592%9087,087 mi
200486%16374,830 mi
200391%8597,621 mi
200286%120104,917 mi
200181%80110,085 mi
200088%108112,393 mi
199986%79110,744 mi
199875%79132,265 mi
199796%47131,015 mi

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About the 2004 BMW ALPINA

The 2004 BMW ALPINA is a premium performance with a 3400cc petrol engine. 163 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2004 cars for reliability.

With an average of 74,830 miles at 22 years old, BMW ALPINA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

2004 BMW ALPINA Fuel Costs

The 3400cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2004 BMW ALPINA?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,757 230/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW ALPINA Reliability Trend

Newer BMW ALPINAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 BMW ALPINA

At 22 years old, the BMW ALPINA 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 98%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 BMW ALPINA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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.

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 ALPINA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
BMW ALPINA(2004)86%£1592£760Grp 35-50£2757
LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2006)70%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£360
MERCEDES E(2004)78%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2397-£360
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2005)86%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£510
BMW X3(2006)78%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£360

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

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