Used car guide

2013 BMW 640: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 BMW 640s, from 1,188 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,188MOT tests in 2025
80%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 66%)
8,100typical miles a year
27%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2013 BMW 640 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    27% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Suspension
    15% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    13% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    9% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    5% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    4% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a BMW 640?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2018628Tyres 22%
20171,015Tyres 23%
20161,743Tyres 24%
20151,855Tyres 27%
20141,868Tyres 28%
2012912Tyres 27%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 BMW 640s registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score