BMW 735 (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 70 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Total Tests (2024)
70
Avg Mileage
137,054 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1990 BMW 735 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 34 years old, 79% of BMW 735s from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 70 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 137,054 miles.
How does the 1990 BMW 735 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 BMW 735 has 137,054 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a BMW 735?
The most reliable year is the 2001 model with a 84% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1990 sits between the two at 79%.
How much does a 1990 BMW 735 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 735 by Year
Checking a specific BMW 735?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 BMW 735
The 1990 BMW 735 is a premium performance with a 3430cc petrol engine. 70 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 137,054 miles at 34 years old, BMW 735 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1990 BMW 735 Fuel Costs
The 3430cc 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 1990 BMW 735?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 735 Reliability Trend
The BMW 735 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1990 BMW 735
At 34 years old, the BMW 735 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 2001 model has the highest pass rate at 84%. Note: with only 70 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1990 BMW 735
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- PORSCHE 911 (1990) 91% pass rate (+12%) from 1,888 tests
- MERCEDES 300 (1992) 83% pass rate (+4%) from 1,096 tests
- PORSCHE 944 (1990) 85% pass rate (+6%) from 914 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1991) 78% pass rate (-1%) from 319 tests