BMW 730 (1995)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 96 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2997cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Petrol2997cc31 years old96 tests130k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2997cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

70% of MOT tests on BMW 730s from 1995 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 29 years old. That's based on 96 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 129,643 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1995 models166th of 221(bottom half)

Rank among BMW models1527th of 1,548(bottom 2%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 1995 models average-6%(76% avg)

vs BMW average-18%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

129,643

Average miles

214,600

Expected for age

The average 1995 BMW 730 had 129,643 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 81%. The 1995 scores 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volvo 900 Series

1997 · 2922cc Petrol

£2,888/year

74%

+4%

BMW 3 Series

1995 · 2793cc Petrol

£2,738/year

80%

+10%

Mercedes SL

1996 · 2779cc Petrol

£2,738/year

88%

+18%

Volkswagen Corrado

1995 · 2861cc Petrol

£2,738/year

85%

+15%

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About the 1995 BMW 730

The 1995 BMW 730 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2997cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 96 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1995, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 129,643 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 730 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1995 BMW 730 Fuel Costs

The 2997cc 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 1995 BMW 730?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 730 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 730s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 7 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1995 BMW 730

At 31 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 96 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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 31 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 130k 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 1995 BMW 730 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 730(1995)	70%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888
Volvo 900 Series(1997)	74%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888same
BMW 3 Series(1995)	80%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£150
Mercedes SL(1996)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£150
Volkswagen Corrado(1995)	85%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£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 1995 BMW 730

Is the 1995 BMW 730 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 1995 BMW 730s ended in a pass, from 96 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1995 BMW 730 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1995 BMW 730?

70% of 96 MOT tests on the 1995 BMW 730 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 166th of 221 models first registered in 1995 (bottom half).

Which year BMW 730 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 BMW 730 has the highest MOT pass rate at 98% and the 2006 the lowest at 81%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1995 BMW 730?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1995 BMW 730 is 129,643 miles, which is below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.