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.
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.
- Tyres22% 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 electrics4% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes2% 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 mirrors2% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts1% 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.
- 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
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1,064 | Tyres 21% |
| 2020 | 101 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 257 | Tyres 23% |
| 1999 | 117 | Suspension 27% |
| 1998 | 123 | Suspension 26% |
| 1997 | 168 | Suspension 32% |
| 1995 | 105 | Suspension 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