BMW 735

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 10 model years from 1,022 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

75%

Total Tests

1,022

Highest Pass Rate

1999 (82%)

Years Covered

About the BMW 735

The BMW 735 was MOT tested 1,022 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 10 model years (1990 to 2004), with an average pass rate of 75%. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 model has the highest pass rate at 82% from 141 tests. The 1996 model has the lowest at 63%. With a 19 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 735s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 137,054 miles, while the newest (2004) averages 103,762 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the BMW brand average of 88%, the 735 is 13 points lower, placing it among the less reliable BMW models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3600cc)

£1,958

Road Tax

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,503

Per month£292/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2004 details

How reliable is the BMW 735?

vs average of all models-7% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average-13% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread19 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW 735 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2004	67%	60	103,762 mi
2003	79%	52	123,716 mi
2002	76%	144	96,059 mi
2001	84%	82	113,526 mi
2000	75%	146	114,949 mi
1999	82%	141	119,974 mi
1998	74%	134	110,208 mi
1997	71%	78	129,013 mi
1996	63%	115	109,533 mi
1990	79%	70	137,054 mi

Questions about the BMW 735

Is the BMW 735 reliable?

Across its 10 model years in our data (1990 to 2004), the BMW 735 averages a 75% MOT pass rate, from 1,022 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1999 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 82%.

Which year BMW 735 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 BMW 735 has the highest MOT pass rate at 82%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 63%, a 19 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.