Is the 2018 BMW 740 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 93% of BMW 740s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 1,442 tests. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2018 BMW 740 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,695 (£141/month), including £1245 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 BMW 740?

The 2018 BMW 740 has a 93% MOT pass rate based on 1,442 tests in 2026. This ranks 185 out of 649 cars from 2018.

Which year BMW 740 is most reliable?

The 2020 BMW 740 has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%. The least reliable year is 1995 at 72%.

What is the average mileage for a 2018 BMW 740?

The average mileage for a 2018 BMW 740 is 62,534 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

BMW 740 (2018)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,442 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,695

£141/month

MOT Pass Rate

93%

Excellent

Road Tax

£195

Flat rate/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2933cc Diesel

Great Choice

93% pass rate, £1695/year to run. 11 points above average.

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Diesel2933cc8 years old1,442 tests63k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2933cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245

Road Tax

Flat rate (post-2017)

£195

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,695

Per month£141/mo

Per week£33/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

93% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.

At 8 years old, 93% of BMW 740s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,442 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 62,534 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2018 cars185th of 649(top 29%)

Rank among BMW models359th of 1,564(top 23%)

vs national average+11%(82% avg)

vs 2018 cars average+4%(89% avg)

vs BMW average+5%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

62,534

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2018 BMW 740 has 62,534 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2018 sits between the two at 93%.

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

MERCEDES E

2019 · 2925cc Diesel

£1,690/year

90%

-3%

MERCEDES GLC

2018 · 2987cc Diesel

£1,690/year

91%

-2%

AUDI A5

2017 · 2967cc Diesel

£1,840/year

89%

-4%

FORD RANGER

2019 · 3198cc Diesel

£1,840/year

87%

-6%

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About the 2018 BMW 740

The 2018 BMW 740 is a premium performance with a 2933cc diesel engine. 1,442 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 62,534 miles at 8 years old, BMW 740 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2018 BMW 740 Fuel Costs

The 2933cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2018 BMW 740?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,695 (£141/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% 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 2018 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2018 BMW 740's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Suspension Wear

Medium risk

Shock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.

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 2018 BMW 740 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
BMW 740(2018)	93%	£1245	£195	Grp 30-42	£1695
MERCEDES E(2019)	90%	£1245	£190	Grp 30-42	£1690-£5
MERCEDES GLC(2018)	91%	£1245	£190	Grp 30-42	£1690-£5
AUDI A5(2017)	89%	£1245	£190	Grp 30-42	£1840+£145
FORD RANGER(2019)	87%	£1245	£190	Grp 35-50	£1840+£145

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.