2004 BMW 730d: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 BMW 730d?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 BMW 730d than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  BMW 730d

  20.1% All 2004 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Airbag warning light5.2× usual
  BMW 730d

  8.9% All 2004 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.7%, against 1.5% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2004 BMW 730d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 BMW 730d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  41% 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.

• Suspension
  40% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  31% 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.

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

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 BMW 730d

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2004 BMW 730d as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the 2004 BMW 730d as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?