BMW 545 (2004)

365 real MOT outcomes analysed • 77.8% first-time pass rate

2004 BMW 545

CarHunch analysed 365 real MOT records for the 2004 BMW 545. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

Below average reliability 2.2% below UK average
77.8%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
83,384
typical mileage
66,926–103,770 middle half
40.8%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
4.08
avg MOT failures per car
over 17.1 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2004 BMW 545

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • ⚠️ 40.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a BMW 545

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (97%) 354 77.8% 4.06
Diesel (2%) 8 75.3% 5.13
LPG (1%) 3 74.6% 4

Mileage Distribution

Most 2004 BMW 545 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

66,926
low mileage
83,384
typical
103,770
high mileage

Half of all 2004 BMW 545 vehicles fall between 66,926 and 103,770 miles.

2004 BMW 545 — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 106 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (36% of peak).

292 106 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.

MOT History Averages

17.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
4.08
Avg failures per vehicle
21.9
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 2004 BMW 545

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 104.3%
    Oil leak, but not excessive
  • 84.5%
    Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 83.6%
    Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 64.9%
    Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
  • 61.5%
    Oil leak
  • 47%
    Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay
  • 42.1%
    Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
  • 38.7%
    Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2004. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific BMW 545?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — BMW 545:

2003 2005