Vehicle summary
ULEZ status is estimated based on fuel type and registration year. It may not reflect the actual emission standard of this vehicle. Check with TfL for a definitive answer.
At a glance
This 2004 Bmw 3 Series Petrol 2979cc has had 12 MOT tests on record, passing 10 and failing 2 (83% pass rate). It has 179,287 miles on the clock, averaging 16,810 miles per year, above the UK average of 7,400. The 3.0i engine is known for m54 3.0l (m54b30) and water pump and thermostat. Common Bmw 3 Series issues include rear subframe mount cracking (racp failure) and front lower control arm bushings.
MOT & Mileage History for FN04 VEL
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failures recorded
Average miles/year
Gap in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
Above average| Latest reading | 179,287 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 183 |
| Average per year | 16,810 |
| Mileage consistency | Consistent |
Check FN04 VEL
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Full MOT Test History 12 tests on record
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Reported issues for this Bmw 3 Series
These are the most commonly reported problems on Bmw 3 Series models (1998–2006), based on owner reports and workshop data across the UK.
Rear Subframe Mount Cracking (RACP Failure)
Fatigue cracks develop at the mounting points due to corrosion and stress; BMW's foam injection "fix" often fails, leading to subframe tearing. Affects **ALL body styles** (saloon, estate, coupe, convertible). · Typical repair: £800-£2,000 (reinforcement plates + welding at indie BMW specialist; foam fix £300 but inadequate).
Front Lower Control Arm Bushings
Rubber cracks/splits, causing excessive movement. Affects **ALL body styles**. · Typical repair: £200-£400 (bush press + alignment at indie).
Window Regulators
Cables fray or pulleys break, jamming mechanism. Affects **ALL body styles** (worse on coupes/convertibles with frameless windows). · Typical repair: £150-£300 per door (regulator + motor at indie).
Cooling System Leaks (Non-Engine Specific)
Plastic cracks from age/heat cycles; excludes water pump (engine-related). Affects **ALL body styles**. · Typical repair: £150-£350 (tank + hoses).
M54 3.0L (M54B30)
Water pump (engine-driven, plastic impeller type) and thermostat
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | FN04 VEL |
| Make | Bmw |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Colour | Red |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Engine | 2979cc |
| Year | 2004 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | FN — Nottingham, Forest and Fens |
| Age identifier | 04 — March 2004 to August 2004 |
More FN04 V plates
Browse all FN04 V registrations from Nottingham.
About FN04 VEL
What car is FN04 VEL?
FN04 VEL is an red Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Nottingham in 2004.
What is the mileage of FN04 VEL?
The last recorded mileage for FN04 VEL was 179,287 miles, recorded on 8 Mar 2016 during its most recent MOT test.
Has FN04 VEL passed its MOT?
FN04 VEL has had 12 MOT tests with an 83% pass rate (10 passes, 2 failures). It last passed on 8 Mar 2016.
Is FN04 VEL ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, FN04 VEL is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a petrol vehicle registered in 2004, it typically does not meet the Euro 4 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is FN04 VEL?
FN04 VEL is approximately 22 years old. Age identifier 04 means registered between 1 March 2004 and 31 August 2004.