BMW 740 (1994)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 55 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
55
Avg Mileage
128,943 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1994 BMW 740 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 30 years old, 76% of BMW 740s from 1994 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 55 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 128,943 miles.
How does the 1994 BMW 740 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1994 BMW 740 has 128,943 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a BMW 740?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 72%. The 1994 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 1994 BMW 740 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW 740 by Year
| 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 |
Checking a specific BMW 740?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1994 BMW 740
The 1994 BMW 740 is a premium performance with a 3982cc petrol engine. 55 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1994, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 128,943 miles at 30 years old, BMW 740 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1994 BMW 740 Fuel Costs
The 3982cc 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 1994 BMW 740?
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 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 740 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 740s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1994 BMW 740
At 30 years old, the BMW 740 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 97%. Note: with only 55 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1994 BMW 740
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- PORSCHE 911 (1996) 91% pass rate (+15%) from 2,651 tests
- MERCEDES E (1995) 79% pass rate (+3%) from 2,442 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER (1996) 80% pass rate (+4%) from 1,198 tests
- JAGUAR XJS (1995) 89% pass rate (+13%) from 945 tests