Used car guide

2011 BMW 730: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW 730 first registered in 2011: we looked at the 1,921 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,921MOTs of 2011 cars, done in 2023–2025
79%pass first time (all 2011 cars: 62%)
9,400typical miles a year
26%had suspension flagged

Common 2011 BMW 730 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 BMW 730 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    26% 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
    25% 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
    15% 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
    12% 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
    6% 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
    6% 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 2011 BMW 730

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a BMW 730?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the BMW 730 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2021129Tyres 21%
20201,042Tyres 17%
20192,209Tyres 19%
20181,911Tyres 20%
20172,150Tyres 20%
20162,550Tyres 20%
20151,712Tyres 23%
20142,100Tyres 26%
20131,161Tyres 26%
20121,490Tyres 28%
20101,388Tyres 28%
20091,083Suspension 30%
20081,499Suspension 35%
20071,323Suspension 37%
20061,852Suspension 42%
2005894Suspension 44%
2004602Suspension 38%
2003426Suspension 39%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW 730 cars first registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score