BMW 735 (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 60 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Total Tests (2024)
60
Avg Mileage
103,762 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,597
Is the 2004 BMW 735 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 20 years old, 67% of BMW 735s from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 60 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 103,762 miles.
How does the 2004 BMW 735 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 BMW 735 has 103,762 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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 2004 sits between the two at 67%.
How much does a 2004 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 2004 BMW 735
The 2004 BMW 735 is a premium performance with a 3600cc petrol engine. 60 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 85% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 103,762 miles at 20 years old, BMW 735 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 BMW 735 Fuel Costs
The 3600cc 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 2004 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 67% 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 2004 BMW 735
At 20 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 60 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2004 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:
- LAND ROVER FREELANDER (2006) 70% pass rate (+3%) from 12,591 tests
- MERCEDES E (2004) 78% pass rate (+11%) from 8,333 tests
- PORSCHE BOXSTER (2005) 86% pass rate (+19%) from 6,992 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (2006) 90% pass rate (+23%) from 6,184 tests