BMW 730 (1995)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 96 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2997cc Petrol
Check Carefully
70% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 12 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2997cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 31 years old, 70% of BMW 730s from 1995 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 96 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 129,643 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
129,643
Average miles
229,400
Expected for age
The average 1995 BMW 730 has 129,643 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-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 2021 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 70%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
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
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About the 1995 BMW 730
The 1995 BMW 730 is a premium performance with a 2997cc petrol engine. 96 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1995, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 129,643 miles at 31 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1995 BMW 730?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 (£215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
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. Note: with only 96 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1995 BMW 730's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 riskLarger 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 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
Watch outWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 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 1995 BMW 730 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 730(1995) | 70% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 30-42 | £2577 |
| VOLVO 900 SERIES(1997) | 74% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2397-£180 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1995) | 80% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£330 |
| MERCEDES SL(1996) | 88% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£330 |
| VOLKSWAGEN CORRADO(1995) | 85% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £2247-£330 |
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.
Related Bmw Models
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