BMW 730 (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,288 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,895
£158/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2993cc Diesel
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £1895/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2993cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 91% of BMW 730s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,288 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 88,853 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
88,853
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 BMW 730 has 88,853 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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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%. The 2016 sits between the two at 91%.
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 2016 BMW 730
The 2016 BMW 730 is a premium performance with a 2993cc diesel engine. 2,288 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 88,853 miles at 10 years old, BMW 730 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2016 BMW 730 Fuel Costs
The 2993cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2016 BMW 730?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,895 (£158/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2016 BMW 730
At 10 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 BMW 730's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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
Medium riskWith an average of 89k 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.
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 2016 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(2016) | 91% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 30-42 | £1895 |
| MERCEDES GLC(2018) | 91% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £1690-£205 |
| AUDI A5(2017) | 89% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £1840-£55 |
| FORD RANGER(2018) | 85% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £1840-£55 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER VELAR(2018) | 91% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £1690-£205 |
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.
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