1997 BMW 840: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 BMW 840?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 BMW 840 than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.3× usual
  BMW 840

  16.4% All 1997 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.9% of all 1997 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 joint dust cover3.3× usual
  BMW 840

  10.4% All 1997 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1% of all 1997 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.

• Corroded fuel pipes6.6× usual
  BMW 840

  6.6% All 1997 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 1997 BMW 840 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 BMW 840 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  33% 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
  24% 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
  20% 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.

• Tyres
  14% 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
  12% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  10% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 BMW 840

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 3.3× as often on the 1997 BMW 840 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 1997 BMW 840 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 6.6× as often on the 1997 BMW 840 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?