Used car guide

2020 BMW 730: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2020 BMW 730s, from 347 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 347 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

347MOT tests in 2025
93%pass first time (all 2020 cars: 86%)
10,500typical miles a year
19%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2020 BMW 730 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    19% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    5% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Brakes
    5% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    3% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Driveshafts and joints
    1% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

  • Suspension
    1% 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.

Looking at a BMW 730?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2019720Tyres 20%
2018614Tyres 20%
2017694Tyres 20%
2016815Tyres 18%
2015563Tyres 24%
2014666Tyres 26%
2013383Tyres 29%
2012450Tyres 25%
2011578Suspension 28%
2010390Tyres 29%
2009317Suspension 31%
2008436Suspension 36%
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 2020 BMW 730s registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score