BMW R Series (2004)
2004 BMW R Series
CarHunch analysed 1,101 real MOT records for the 2004 BMW R Series. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2004 BMW R Series is a genuinely reliable performer for its age, with a 92.8% first-time MOT pass rate that sits well above the UK average of 80%. Only 9.5% have ever shown dangerous defects, which is reassuringly low and suggests owners aren't facing hidden structural or safety gremlins.
At just over 27,000 miles on average, these bikes are relatively low-mileage examples, which explains why they pass so readily—but don't assume neglect; 3.7 advisories per vehicle indicate routine wear that needs addressing before it becomes a failure. Budget for minor maintenance items as they crop up, but if you're buying one with a clean MOT history, you're looking at a solid, unfussy motorcycle.
What to check before buying a 2004 BMW R Series
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.
- 📄 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 R Series
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 1,100 | 92.8% | 0.91 |
| Diesel (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2004 BMW R Series 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.
Half of all 2004 BMW R Series vehicles fall between 15,728 and 36,136 miles.
2004 BMW R Series — Still on the Road
390 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 62% of the peak remain.
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
Found a specific BMW R Series?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.