BMW 735 (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 141 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3498cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol3498cc27 years old141 tests120k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3498cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

82% of MOT tests on BMW 735s from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 141 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 119,974 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models89th of 361(top 25%)

Rank among BMW models1263rd of 1,548(bottom 19%)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average+7%(75% avg)

vs BMW average-6%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

119,974

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 BMW 735 had 119,974 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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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 3 Series

2001 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

-5%

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-4%

Porsche Boxster

2001 · 3200cc Petrol

£3,153/year

83%

+1%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

+5%

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About the 1999 BMW 735

The 1999 BMW 735 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3498cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 141 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 25% of all 1999 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 119,974 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 735 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1999 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1999 BMW 735?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 735 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.

Buying a Used 1999 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.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 27 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 120k 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.

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 1999 BMW 735 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW 735(1999)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£220
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£150
Porsche Boxster(2001)	83%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153+£415
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1999 BMW 735

Is the 1999 BMW 735 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 1999 BMW 735s ended in a pass, from 141 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 BMW 735 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 BMW 735?

82% of 141 MOT tests on the 1999 BMW 735 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 89th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top 25%).

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% and the 1996 the lowest at 63%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 BMW 735?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 BMW 735 is 119,974 miles, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.