Used car guide

2008 BMW 730: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 BMW 730s, from 436 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 436 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

436MOT tests in 2025
74%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
8,100typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for ball joint

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 BMW 730s than on all cars registered in 2008.

  • Ball joint2× usual
    BMW 730
    12.8% All 2008 cars
    6.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 3.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

By area

The share of 2008 BMW 730 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    36% 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.

  • Tyres
    30% 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.

  • Brakes
    24% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    21% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    20% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2020347Tyres 19%
2019720Tyres 20%
2018614Tyres 20%
2017694Tyres 20%
2016815Tyres 18%
2015563Tyres 24%
2014666Tyres 26%
2013383Tyres 29%
2012450Tyres 25%
2011578Suspension 28%
2010390Tyres 29%
2009317Suspension 31%
2007375Suspension 39%
2006520Suspension 43%
2005253Suspension 43%
2004163Suspension 37%
2003114Suspension 42%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 BMW 730s registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score