2004 BMW X3 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 BMW X3 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 BMW X3 diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Link ball joint covers2.7× usual
  BMW X3

  7.2% All 2004 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Windscreen2× usual
  BMW X3

  7.9% All 2004 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

• Steering rack2.7× usual
  BMW X3

  4.6% All 2004 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2004 BMW X3 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 BMW X3 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  35% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  34% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  16% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 BMW X3 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2004 BMW X3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the windscreen? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2004 BMW X3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2004 BMW X3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?