BMW 730 (1994)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 70 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Total Tests (2024)
70
Avg Mileage
106,349 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 1994 BMW 730 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 30 years old, 86% of BMW 730s from 1994 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 70 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 106,349 miles.
How does the 1994 BMW 730 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1994 BMW 730 has 106,349 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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 1994 sits between the two at 86%.
How much does a 1994 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 1994 BMW 730
The 1994 BMW 730 is a premium performance with a 2986cc petrol engine. 70 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 16% of all 1994 cars for reliability.
With an average of 106,349 miles at 30 years old, BMW 730 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1994 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 1994 BMW 730?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% 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 1994 BMW 730
At 30 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 70 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1994 BMW 730
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-19%) from 8,643 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1995) 80% pass rate (-6%) from 2,059 tests
- MERCEDES SL (1996) 88% pass rate (+2%) from 1,778 tests
- MERCEDES 300 (1992) 83% pass rate (-3%) from 1,096 tests