Used car guide

2014 BMW 740d: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW 740d first registered in 2014: we looked at the 194 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 194 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

194MOTs of 2014 cars, done in 2023–2025
89%pass first time (all 2014 cars: 70%)
9,000typical miles a year
16%had tyres flagged

Common 2014 BMW 740d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 BMW 740d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    16% 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
    12% 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
    11% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    4% 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 2014 BMW 740d

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 740d?

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Other years

Every year of the BMW 740d compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2021188Tyres 18%
2020514Tyres 17%
20191,075Tyres 19%
20181,423Tyres 19%
20171,033Tyres 16%
20161,063Tyres 17%
2015174Tyres 22%
2013122Tyres 22%
2012123Tyres 28%
2011202Tyres 27%
2010208Suspension 24%
2009111Suspension 33%

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 740d cars first registered in 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score