BMW 740

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 24 model years from 8,356 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

88%

Total Tests

8,356

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (97%)

Years Covered

About the BMW 740

The BMW 740 was MOT tested 8,356 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 24 model years (1994 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 88%. That's comfortably above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel and petrol and hybrid versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 97% from 715 tests. The 1995 model has the lowest at 72%. With a 25 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 740s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1994) averages 128,943 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 36,282 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2998cc)

£1,958

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,413

Per month£201/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the BMW 740?

vs average of all models+6% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average+0% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread25 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW 740 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	97%	253	36,282 mi
2020	97%	715	40,432 mi
2019	95%	1,241	53,056 mi
2018	93%	1,442	62,534 mi
2017	91%	951	71,078 mi
2016	94%	1,203	76,827 mi
2015	92%	317	68,035 mi
2014	91%	214	86,689 mi
2013	90%	138	97,147 mi
2012	90%	120	106,102 mi
2011	87%	160	113,817 mi
2010	89%	179	106,897 mi
2009	85%	216	114,608 mi
2008	88%	41	87,993 mi
2006	86%	57	102,858 mi
2005	84%	56	99,566 mi
2001	85%	98	128,466 mi
2000	85%	131	118,861 mi
1999	86%	174	130,186 mi
1998	85%	176	127,512 mi
1997	77%	160	123,204 mi
1996	88%	133	135,364 mi
1995	72%	126	144,068 mi
1994	76%	55	128,943 mi

Questions about the BMW 740

Is the BMW 740 reliable?

Across its 24 model years in our data (1994 to 2021), the BMW 740 averages an 88% MOT pass rate, from 8,356 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 97%.

Which year BMW 740 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 BMW 740 has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 72%, a 25 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.