BMW 640 (2011)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,116 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,045
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2993cc Diesel
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £2045/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2993cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%.
At 15 years old, 89% of BMW 640s from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,116 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 86,228 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
86,228
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2011 BMW 640 has 86,228 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2015 model with a 90% MOT pass rate, while the 2017 model has the lowest at 87%. The 2011 sits between the two at 89%.
BMW 640 by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2011 BMW 640
The 2011 BMW 640 is a premium performance with a 2993cc diesel engine. 1,116 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 2011 cars for reliability.
With an average of 86,228 miles at 15 years old, BMW 640 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2011 BMW 640 Fuel Costs
The 2993cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2011 BMW 640?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,045 (£170/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 640 Reliability Trend
The BMW 640 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2011 BMW 640
At 15 years old, the BMW 640 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 90%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2011 BMW 640's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 86k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2011 BMW 640 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 640(2011) | 89% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 30-42 | £2045 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2013) | 88% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| AUDI A4(2011) | 82% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| JAGUAR XF(2013) | 82% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| AUDI A5(2013) | 85% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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