BMW 728 (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 329 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2793cc Petrol

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific BMW 728

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol2793cc25 years old329 tests138k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2793cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,808

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

84% of MOT tests on BMW 728s from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 329 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 137,562 miles.

Got a BMW 728 you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models53rd of 350(top 16%)

Rank among BMW models1169th of 1,548(bottom 25%)

vs average of all models+2%(82% avg)

vs 2001 models average+11%(73% avg)

vs BMW average-4%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

137,562

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 BMW 728 had 137,562 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Looking at a specific BMW 728?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2001 scores 84%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 728 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2001	84%	329	137,562 mi
2000	83%	326	131,357 mi
1999	83%	453	134,511 mi
1998	81%	317	134,101 mi
1997	78%	315	132,213 mi
1996	89%	126	131,038 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2001 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

-7%

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-6%

Mercedes CLK

2003 · 2295cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

-6%

BMW Z4

2003 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,958/year

79%

-5%

Check a Specific BMW 728

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2001 BMW 728

The 2001 BMW 728 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2793cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 329 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 16% of all 2001 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 137,562 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 728 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2001 BMW 728 Fuel Costs

The 2793cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2001 BMW 728?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 728 Reliability Trend

The BMW 728 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage point.

Buying a Used 2001 BMW 728

At 25 years old, the BMW 728 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 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 25 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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

Watch out

With an average of 138k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2001 BMW 728 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW 728(2001)	84%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£80
Mercedes CLK(2003)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958+£150
BMW Z4(2003)	79%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,958+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2001 BMW 728

Is the 2001 BMW 728 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 2001 BMW 728s ended in a pass, from 329 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 BMW 728 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 BMW 728?

84% of 329 MOT tests on the 2001 BMW 728 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 53rd of 350 models first registered in 2001 (top 16%).

Which year BMW 728 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 BMW 728 has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 1997 the lowest at 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2001 BMW 728?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 BMW 728 is 137,562 miles, which is in line with the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.