BMW 735 (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 115 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
63%
Total Tests (2024)
115
Avg Mileage
109,533 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,597
Is the 1996 BMW 735 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 19 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 28 years old, 63% of BMW 735s from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 115 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 109,533 miles.
How does the 1996 BMW 735 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 BMW 735 has 109,533 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1996 BMW 735 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
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 1996 BMW 735
The 1996 BMW 735 is a premium performance with a 3498cc petrol engine. 115 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 93% of 1996 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 109,533 miles at 28 years old, BMW 735 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1996 BMW 735 Fuel Costs
The 3498cc 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 1996 BMW 735?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,597 (£216/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 63% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 1996 BMW 735
At 28 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.
Alternatives to the 1996 BMW 735
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- JAGUAR XK8 (1997) 81% pass rate (+18%) from 3,443 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (1998) 85% pass rate (+22%) from 3,337 tests
- MERCEDES E (1995) 79% pass rate (+16%) from 2,442 tests
- JAGUAR XJ (1998) 77% pass rate (+14%) from 2,154 tests