BMW 840 (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 567 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Total Tests (2024)
567
Avg Mileage
114,610 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 1997 BMW 840 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%.
At 27 years old, 89% of BMW 840s from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 567 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 114,610 miles.
How does the 1997 BMW 840 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 BMW 840 has 114,610 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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%. The 1997 sits between the two at 89%.
How much does a 1997 BMW 840 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 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 1997 BMW 840
The 1997 BMW 840 is a premium performance with a 4398cc petrol engine. 567 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 12% of all 1997 cars for reliability.
With an average of 114,610 miles at 27 years old, BMW 840 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 BMW 840 Fuel Costs
The 4398cc 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 1997 BMW 840?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% 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 1997 BMW 840
At 27 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 100%.
Alternatives to the 1997 BMW 840
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- JAGUAR XK8 (1997) 81% pass rate (-8%) from 3,443 tests
- JAGUAR XJ (1998) 77% pass rate (-12%) from 2,154 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER (1999) 79% pass rate (-10%) from 2,067 tests
- TVR CHIMAERA (1998) 92% pass rate (+3%) from 1,685 tests