BMW 840 (1994)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 182 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Total Tests (2024)
182
Avg Mileage
110,577 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 1994 BMW 840 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 30 years old, 74% of BMW 840s from 1994 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 182 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 110,577 miles.
How does the 1994 BMW 840 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1994 BMW 840 has 110,577 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a BMW 840?
The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 100% MOT pass rate, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 74%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1994 BMW 840 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW 840 by Year
Checking a specific BMW 840?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1994 BMW 840
The 1994 BMW 840 is a premium performance with a 3982cc petrol engine. 182 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1994, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 110,577 miles at 30 years old, BMW 840 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1994 BMW 840 Fuel Costs
The 3982cc 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 1994 BMW 840?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 840 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 840s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 13 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1994 BMW 840
At 30 years old, the BMW 840 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.
Alternatives to the 1994 BMW 840
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- PORSCHE 911 (1996) 91% pass rate (+17%) from 2,651 tests
- MERCEDES E (1995) 79% pass rate (+5%) from 2,442 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER (1996) 80% pass rate (+6%) from 1,198 tests
- JAGUAR XJS (1995) 89% pass rate (+15%) from 945 tests