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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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 3400cc
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
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?
Mileage Analysis
74,830
Average miles
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
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 91% | 186 | 26,604 mi | |
| 2020 | 97% | 112 | 32,032 mi | |
| 2019 | 93% | 170 | 37,777 mi | |
| 2018 | 98% | 127 | 43,619 mi | |
| 2017 | 90% | 87 | 53,539 mi | |
| 2016 | 90% | 130 | 53,465 mi | |
| 2015 | 90% | 181 | 65,952 mi | |
| 2014 | 93% | 120 | 93,182 mi | |
| 2013 | 94% | 64 | 98,526 mi | |
| 2012 | 95% | 102 | 98,683 mi | |
| 2011 | 86% | 176 | 94,377 mi | |
| 2010 | 90% | 188 | 109,791 mi | |
| 2009 | 82% | 223 | 114,033 mi | |
| 2008 | 90% | 217 | 102,557 mi | |
| 2007 | 87% | 313 | 140,615 mi | |
| 2006 | 95% | 151 | 148,080 mi | |
| 2005 | 92% | 90 | 87,087 mi | |
| 2004 | 86% | 163 | 74,830 mi | |
| 2003 | 91% | 85 | 97,621 mi | |
| 2002 | 86% | 120 | 104,917 mi | |
| 2001 | 81% | 80 | 110,085 mi | |
| 2000 | 88% | 108 | 112,393 mi | |
| 1999 | 86% | 79 | 110,744 mi | |
| 1998 | 75% | 79 | 132,265 mi | |
| 1997 | 96% | 47 | 131,015 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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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 outAt 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskAlways 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.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW ALPINA(2004) | 86% | £1592 | £760 | Grp 35-50 | £2757 |
| LAND ROVER FREELANDER(2006) | 70% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£360 |
| MERCEDES E(2004) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2397-£360 |
| PORSCHE BOXSTER(2005) | 86% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 35-50 | £2247-£510 |
| BMW X3(2006) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 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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