BMW 740 (2016)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,203 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Total Tests (2024)
1,203
Avg Mileage
76,827 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2016 BMW 740 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 8 years old, 94% of BMW 740s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,203 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 76,827 miles.
How does the 2016 BMW 740 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2016 BMW 740 has 76,827 miles on the clock, 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.
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 2016 sits between the two at 94%.
How much does a 2016 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 2016 BMW 740
The 2016 BMW 740 is a premium performance with a 2998cc petrol engine. 1,203 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 16% of all 2016 cars for reliability.
With an average of 76,827 miles at 8 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 BMW 740?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 BMW 740
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 97%.
Alternatives to the 2016 BMW 740
The BMW 740 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premium performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 3 SERIES (2014) 87% pass rate (-7%) from 63,059 tests
- BMW 5 SERIES (2018) 91% pass rate (-3%) from 40,272 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT (2018) 93% pass rate (-1%) from 34,257 tests
- MERCEDES GLC (2016) 89% pass rate (-5%) from 19,967 tests