2004 BMW X3 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Engine oil leaks2.7× usual
  BMW X3

  39.7% All 2004 cars

  14.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Link ball joint covers3× usual
  BMW X3

  8.1% All 2004 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, 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.

• Engine warning light2.2× usual
  BMW X3

  7.1% All 2004 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 3.2% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Airbag warning light1.8× usual
  BMW X3

  3.1% All 2004 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Transmission oil leaks1.9× usual
  BMW X3

  2.8% All 2004 cars

  1.5%

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

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2004 BMW X3 petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  41% 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.

• Suspension
  37% 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.

• Tyres
  31% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  27% 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
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

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

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2004 BMW X3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2004 BMW X3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 BMW X3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?