Free MOT Check →Full MOT history & mileage Service History £6.99 →Full refund if no data found Full Car Check £7.49 →Crashed, financed & ownership data by Experian
RL04 ECN

2004 Bmw 3 Series · Petrol · 2979cc

Blue Registered in Reading, Reading · 22 years old

Vehicle summary

MakeBmw
Model3 Series
Year2004
FuelPetrol
Engine2979cc
ColourBlue
ULEZ (est.)Likely Non-compliantPetrol pre-2006
Est. Annual Tax£265–£630

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 29 MOT tests on record, passing 19 and failing 10 (66% pass rate). It has 149,871 miles on the clock, averaging 6,675 miles per year, below 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 RL04 ECN

Valid
MOT Status
Expires
149,871
Last Mileage
Recorded
29
Total Tests
Since 2007
66%
Pass Rate
19 passed, 10 failed

Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.

10

MOT failures recorded

Out of 29 tests on record
6,675

Average miles/year

Below UK average of 7,400
0

Gaps in MOT history

No gaps detected in MOT coverage

Mileage Analysis

Below average
Latest reading149,871 miles
Reading date
Average per year6,675
Mileage consistencyVariable
Mileage over time for RL04 ECN 30k60k90k120k150k '07'25'17

Check RL04 ECN

Full MOT Test History 29 tests on record

PASS
Mileage149,871 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage149,871 miles
Since last MOT+1,226 miles
PASS
Mileage148,645 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage148,645 miles
Since last MOT+1,285 miles
PASS
Mileage147,360 miles
Since last MOT+1,729 miles
PASS
Mileage145,631 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage145,631 miles
Since last MOT+7,102 miles
PASS
Mileage138,529 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage138,529 miles
Since last MOT+7,762 miles
PASS
Mileage130,767 miles
Since last MOT+6,820 miles
PASS
Mileage123,947 miles
Since last MOT+1 miles
FAIL
Mileage123,946 miles
Since last MOT+7,363 miles
PASS
Mileage116,583 miles
Since last MOT+7,575 miles
PASS
Mileage109,008 miles
Since last MOT+1 miles
FAIL
Mileage109,007 miles
Since last MOT+8,107 miles
PASS
Mileage100,900 miles
Since last MOT+9,858 miles
PASS
Mileage91,042 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage91,042 miles
Since last MOT+7,262 miles
PASS
Mileage83,780 miles
Since last MOT+5,763 miles
PASS
Mileage78,017 miles
Since last MOT+3,755 miles
PASS
Mileage74,262 miles
Since last MOT+6,244 miles
PASS
Mileage68,018 miles
Since last MOTRetest
FAIL
Mileage68,018 miles
Since last MOT+7,650 miles
PASS
Mileage60,368 miles
Since last MOT+250 miles
FAIL
Mileage60,118 miles
Since last MOT+10,806 miles
PASS
Mileage49,312 miles
Since last MOT+8,990 miles
PASS
Mileage40,322 miles
Since last MOT+10,555 miles
PASS
Mileage29,767 miles
Since last MOT+58 miles
FAIL
Mileage29,709 miles

Similar cars to consider

Buyers comparing the Bmw 3 Series often also look at these models. Check their MOT history and reliability before deciding:

🔧 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

Read our Bmw 3 Buyer's Guide →

Common faults, what to check, and what to pay

Explore more about the Bmw 3 Series

Thinking about buying this car? These resources will help you make an informed decision.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationRL04 ECN
MakeBmw
Model3 Series
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2979cc
Year2004
First registered
Area codeRL — Reading, Reading
Age identifier04 — March 2004 to August 2004

More RL04 E plates

Browse all RL04 E registrations from Reading.

About RL04 ECN

What car is RL04 ECN?

RL04 ECN is an blue Bmw 3 Series, petrol (2979cc). First registered in Reading in 2004.

What is the mileage of RL04 ECN?

The last recorded mileage for RL04 ECN was 149,871 miles, recorded on 20 Oct 2025 during its most recent MOT test.

Has RL04 ECN passed its MOT?

RL04 ECN has had 29 MOT tests with a 66% pass rate (19 passes, 10 failures). It last passed on 20 Oct 2025.

Is RL04 ECN ULEZ compliant?

Based on its fuel type and registration year, RL04 ECN 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 RL04 ECN?

RL04 ECN is approximately 22 years old. Age identifier 04 means registered between 1 March 2004 and 31 August 2004.