BMW 740 (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 133 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4398cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. 6 points above average.

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Petrol4398cc30 years old133 tests135k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4398cc)

~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

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

88% of MOT tests on BMW 740s from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 133 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 135,364 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models36th of 243(top 15%)

Rank among BMW models948th of 1,548(bottom half)

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

vs 1996 models average+13%(75% avg)

vs BMW average+0%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

135,364

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 BMW 740 had 135,364 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 72%. The 1996 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XK8

1997 · 3995cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

-7%

Jaguar XJ

1998 · 3980cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

-11%

Land Rover Range Rover

1998 · 3950cc Petrol

£2,888/year

76%

-12%

TVR Chimaera

1998 · 3948cc Petrol

£2,588/year

92%

+4%

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About the 1996 BMW 740

The 1996 BMW 740 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4398cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 133 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 15% of all 1996 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 135,364 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 740 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1996 BMW 740 Fuel Costs

The 4398cc 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 1996 BMW 740?

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 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 740 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.

Buying a Used 1996 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%.

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 30 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 135k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 1996 BMW 740 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 740(1996)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
Jaguar XK8(1997)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Jaguar XJ(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£150
Land Rover Range Rover(1998)	76%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£150
TVR Chimaera(1998)	92%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588-£150

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 1996 BMW 740

Is the 1996 BMW 740 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 1996 BMW 740s ended in a pass, from 133 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.

How much does a 1996 BMW 740 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 1996 BMW 740?

88% of 133 MOT tests on the 1996 BMW 740 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 36th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (top 15%).

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% and the 1995 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 BMW 740?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 BMW 740 is 135,364 miles, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.