BMW 740 (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 253 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Total Tests (2024)
253
Avg Mileage
36,282 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,037
Is the 2021 BMW 740 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 3 years old, 97% of BMW 740s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 253 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 36,282 miles.
How does the 2021 BMW 740 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 BMW 740 has 36,282 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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 2021 sits between the two at 97%.
How much does a 2021 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 2021 BMW 740
The 2021 BMW 740 is a premium performance with a 2998cc petrol engine. 253 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 10% of all 2021 cars for reliability.
With an average of 36,282 miles at 3 years old, BMW 740 owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2021 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 2021 BMW 740?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,037 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 97% 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 2021 BMW 740
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 97%.
Alternatives to the 2021 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 5 SERIES (2019) 92% pass rate (-5%) from 33,766 tests
- BMW X3 (2019) 92% pass rate (-5%) from 32,937 tests
- MERCEDES GLC (2019) 93% pass rate (-4%) from 30,341 tests
- BMW X5 (2019) 92% pass rate (-5%) from 23,506 tests