BMW 740 (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,203 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,658

£222/month

MOT Pass Rate

94%

Excellent

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2998cc Petrol

Great Choice

94% pass rate, £2,658/year to run. 12 points above average.

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Petrol2998cc10 years old1,203 tests77k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2998cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,658

Per month£222/mo

Per week£51/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

94% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.

94% of MOT tests on BMW 740s from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 1,203 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 76,827 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models79th of 539(top 15%)

Rank among BMW models252nd of 1,548(top 17%)

vs average of all models+12%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average+9%(85% avg)

vs BMW average+6%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

76,827

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 BMW 740 had 76,827 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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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 2016 scores 94%. 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

BMW 3 Series

2014 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,808/year

87%

-7%

BMW 5 Series

2018 · 2998cc Petrol

£2,413/year

91%

-3%

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2018 · 2995cc Petrol

£2,413/year

93%

-1%

Mercedes GLC

2016 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,808/year

89%

-5%

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About the 2016 BMW 740

The 2016 BMW 740 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2998cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,203 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 15% of all 2016 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 76,827 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 740 owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2016 BMW 740 Fuel Costs

The 2998cc 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 2016 BMW 740?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,658 (£222/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

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 2016 BMW 740

At 10 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 10 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.

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 2016 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(2016)	94%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,658
BMW 3 Series(2014)	87%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808+£150
BMW 5 Series(2018)	91%	£1,958	£200	Grp 30-42	£2,413-£245
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2018)	93%	£1,958	£200	Grp 30-42	£2,413-£245
Mercedes GLC(2016)	89%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808+£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 2016 BMW 740

Is the 2016 BMW 740 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 94% of MOT tests on 2016 BMW 740s ended in a pass, from 1,203 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 BMW 740 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,658 a year (£222 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 BMW 740?

94% of 1,203 MOT tests on the 2016 BMW 740 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 79th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (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 2016 BMW 740?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 BMW 740 is 76,827 miles, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.