BMW 735 (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 78 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
71%
Total Tests (2024)
78
Avg Mileage
129,013 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1997 BMW 735 reliable?
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 27 years old, 71% of BMW 735s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 78 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 129,013 miles.
How does the 1997 BMW 735 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 BMW 735 has 129,013 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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 1997 sits between the two at 71%.
How much does a 1997 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 1997 BMW 735
The 1997 BMW 735 is a premium performance with a 3498cc petrol engine. 78 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, 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 27 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 £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 27 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.
Alternatives to the 1997 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:
- BMW Z3 (1999) 78% pass rate (+7%) from 8,191 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (1999) 87% pass rate (+16%) from 3,668 tests
- JAGUAR XK8 (1997) 81% pass rate (+10%) from 3,443 tests
- MERCEDES E (1995) 79% pass rate (+8%) from 2,442 tests