BMW 730 (2017)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,696 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Total Tests (2024)
1,696
Avg Mileage
76,335 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,690
Is the 2017 BMW 730 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 7 years old, 94% of BMW 730s from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,696 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 76,335 miles.
How does the 2017 BMW 730 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2017 BMW 730 has 76,335 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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 2017 sits between the two at 94%.
How much does a 2017 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 2017 BMW 730
The 2017 BMW 730 is a premium performance with a 2993cc diesel engine. 1,696 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 16% of all 2017 cars for reliability.
With an average of 76,335 miles at 7 years old, BMW 730 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2017 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 2017 BMW 730?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,690 (£141/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% 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 2017 BMW 730
At 7 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 98%.
Alternatives to the 2017 BMW 730
The BMW 730 is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel premium performances from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- MERCEDES E (2019) 90% pass rate (-4%) from 41,000 tests
- MERCEDES GLC (2018) 91% pass rate (-3%) from 40,494 tests
- AUDI A5 (2017) 89% pass rate (-5%) from 33,531 tests
- FORD RANGER (2019) 87% pass rate (-7%) from 32,194 tests