Used car guide

2021 BMW 840: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW 840 first registered in 2021: we looked at the 1,151 MOTs these cars had during 2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,151MOTs of 2021 cars, done in 2025
89%pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%)
8,000typical miles a year
22%had tyres flagged

Common 2021 BMW 840 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 BMW 840 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    22% 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
    4% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Brakes
    2% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    2% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Seats and seatbelts
    1% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 BMW 840

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 840?

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 840 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20221,064Tyres 21%
2020101Tyres 23%
2019257Tyres 23%
1999117Suspension 27%
1998123Suspension 26%
1997168Suspension 32%
1995105Suspension 30%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2025, counting the MOTs of BMW 840 cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score