Is the 1997 BMW 735 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of BMW 735s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 78 tests. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 1997 BMW 735 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,907 (£242/month), including £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 BMW 735?

The 1997 BMW 735 has a 71% MOT pass rate based on 78 tests in 2026. This ranks 234 out of 320 cars from 1997.

Which year BMW 735 is most reliable?

The 2001 BMW 735 has the highest MOT pass rate at 84%. The least reliable year is 1996 at 63%.

BMW 735 (1997)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1997 BMW 735?

The average mileage for a 1997 BMW 735 is 129,013 miles, which is below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 78 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,907

£242/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£760

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 35-50

3498cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2907/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol3498cc29 years old78 tests129k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3498cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 3498cc

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,907

Per month£242/mo

Per week£56/wk

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

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

At 29 years old, 71% of BMW 735s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 78 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 129,013 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1997 cars234th of 320(top 73%)

Rank among BMW models1537th of 1,564(top 98%)

vs national average-11%(82% avg)

vs 1997 cars average-4%(75% avg)

vs BMW average-17%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

129,013

Average miles

214,600

Expected for age

The average 1997 BMW 735 has 129,013 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 214,600 miles for a 29-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2001 model with a 84% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 63%. The 1997 sits between the two at 71%.

BMW 735 by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

+7%

PORSCHE 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,247/year

87%

+16%

JAGUAR XK8

1997 · 3995cc Petrol

£2,247/year

81%

+10%

MERCEDES E

1995 · 3606cc Petrol

£2,397/year

79%

+8%

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About the 1997 BMW 735

The 1997 BMW 735 is a premium performance with a 3498cc petrol engine. 78 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1997, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 129,013 miles at 29 years old, BMW 735 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1997 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 1997 BMW 735?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,907 (£242/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% 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 1997 BMW 735

At 29 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 78 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1997 BMW 735's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 29 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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

Watch out

With an average of 129k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 1997 BMW 735 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
BMW 735(1997)	71%	£1592	£760	Grp 35-50	£2907
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£510
PORSCHE 911(1999)	87%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£660
JAGUAR XK8(1997)	81%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2247-£660
MERCEDES E(1995)	79%	£1592	£250	Grp 35-50	£2397-£510

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.