2005 BMW 730d: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 BMW 730d?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 BMW 730d than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.1× usual
  BMW 730d

  22% All 2005 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.4% of all 2005 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.

• Ball joint2.1× usual
  BMW 730d

  13.8% All 2005 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 3.2% of all 2005 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.

• Link ball joint covers2.6× usual
  BMW 730d

  7.4% All 2005 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.6% of all 2005 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.

• Side repeaters2.6× usual
  BMW 730d

  4.4% All 2005 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

• Airbag warning light2.5× usual
  BMW 730d

  4.3% All 2005 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.5% of all 2005 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 2005 BMW 730d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 BMW 730d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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
  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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  26% 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
  23% 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
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 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 2.1× as often on the 2005 BMW 730d as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2005 BMW 730d as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2005 BMW 730d as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?