BMW 730 (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 34 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
34
Avg Mileage
141,732 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1991 BMW 730 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 33 years old, 76% of BMW 730s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 34 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 141,732 miles.
How does the 1991 BMW 730 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 BMW 730 has 141,732 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a BMW 730?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1991 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 1991 BMW 730 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW 730 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 98% | 243 | 41,849 mi |
| 2020 | 95% | 1,033 | 41,493 mi |
| 2019 | 95% | 1,966 | 55,627 mi |
| 2018 | 95% | 1,592 | 67,232 mi |
| 2017 | 94% | 1,696 | 76,335 mi |
| 2016 | 91% | 2,288 | 88,853 mi |
| 2015 | 89% | 1,345 | 91,832 mi |
| 2014 | 89% | 1,656 | 97,859 mi |
| 2013 | 89% | 875 | 110,696 mi |
| 2012 | 88% | 1,119 | 115,118 mi |
| 2011 | 86% | 1,467 | 119,035 mi |
| 2010 | 89% | 991 | 128,302 mi |
| 2009 | 88% | 806 | 130,274 mi |
| 2008 | 82% | 1,043 | 138,734 mi |
| 2007 | 85% | 927 | 142,639 mi |
| 2006 | 81% | 1,315 | 141,407 mi |
| 2005 | 83% | 694 | 150,286 mi |
| 2004 | 83% | 322 | 132,666 mi |
| 2003 | 88% | 277 | 139,746 mi |
| 1995 | 70% | 96 | 129,643 mi |
| 1994 | 86% | 70 | 106,349 mi |
| 1993 | 68% | 37 | 128,018 mi |
| 1992 | 81% | 31 | 126,198 mi |
| 1991 | 76% | 34 | 141,732 mi |
| 1990 | 82% | 57 | 129,365 mi |
Checking a specific BMW 730?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1991 BMW 730
The 1991 BMW 730 is a premium performance with a 2986cc petrol engine. 34 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 141,732 miles at 33 years old, BMW 730 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1991 BMW 730 Fuel Costs
The 2986cc 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1991 BMW 730?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 730 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 730s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 BMW 730
At 33 years old, the BMW 730 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 98%. Note: with only 34 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1991 BMW 730
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MERCEDES 300 (1992) 83% pass rate (+7%) from 1,096 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (1991) 91% pass rate (+15%) from 929 tests
- PORSCHE 944 (1990) 85% pass rate (+9%) from 914 tests
- PORSCHE 968 (1993) 85% pass rate (+9%) from 489 tests