2004 BMW 318i Es MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 318i Es models manufactured in 2004, based on 1,033 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all 318i Es cars tested in 2004. Want to see how cars built in 2004 hold up over time?
View 2004 BMW 318i Es vintage page → (43.3% current pass rate)2004 BMW 318i Es MOT Analysis
The 2004 BMW 318i Es has an MOT pass rate of 59.6% based on 1,033 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 79,052 miles on the odometer. With a 40.4% failure rate, the 2004 318i Es is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 2004 BMW 318i Es is Brakes, responsible for 7.8% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment is the second most common issue at 5.6%. Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions follows at 3.8%.
Top failures specific to 2004 models only. The overall 318i Es page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 7.8% | 81 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 5.6% | 58 |
| 3 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 3.8% | 39 |
| 4 | Suspension | 3.8% | 39 |
| 5 | Tyres | 2.0% | 21 |
| 6 | Driver's View Of The Road | 1.8% | 19 |
| 7 | Non-component Advisories | 1.0% | 10 |
| 8 | Road Wheels | 0.3% | 3 |
| 9 | Registration Plates And Vin | 0.2% | 2 |
| 10 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 0.2% | 2 |
| 11 | Steering | 0.1% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 79,052 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 0.99 | 7.8% | 81 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.71 | 5.6% | 58 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.48 | 3.8% | 39 |
| Suspension | 0.48 | 3.8% | 39 |
| Tyres | 0.26 | 2.0% | 21 |
| Visibility | 0.23 | 1.8% | 19 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.12 | 1.0% | 10 |
| Wheels | 0.04 | 0.3% | 3 |
| Registration Plates and VIN | 0.02 | 0.2% | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 0.02 | 0.2% | 2 |
| Steering | 0.01 | 0.1% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 2004 BMW 318i Es has an MOT pass rate of 59.6% based on 1,033 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 79,052 miles on the odometer. With a 40.4% failure rate, the 2004 318i Es is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 2004 BMW 318i Es, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). At 79,052 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Brakes — 7.8% of failures
Brakes issues account for 7.8% of MOT failures on 2004 BMW 318i Es models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment — 5.6% of failures
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment issues account for 5.6% of MOT failures on 2004 BMW 318i Es models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions — 3.8% of failures
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions issues account for 3.8% of MOT failures on 2004 BMW 318i Es models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.