2007 BMW 730d: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 BMW 730d?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 BMW 730d than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  BMW 730d

  23.5% All 2007 cars

  12.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.4% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usual
  BMW 730d

  18.1% All 2007 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 2.2% of all 2007 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

  13.2% All 2007 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 3.1% of all 2007 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.

• Airbag warning light2.8× usual
  BMW 730d

  3.1% All 2007 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1% of all 2007 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 2007 BMW 730d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 BMW 730d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  37% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  24% 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.

• Brakes
  23% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  18% 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
  11% 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 2007 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 engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2007 BMW 730d as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2007 BMW 730d as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2007 BMW 730d as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?