BMW 7 Series (2013)

356 real MOT outcomes analysed • 85.6% first-time pass rate

2013 BMW 7 Series

CarHunch analysed 356 real MOT records for the 2013 BMW 7 Series. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2013 BMW 7 Series passes its MOT first time at 85.6%, which is a solid 5.6 percentage points above the UK average, suggesting these cars are generally well-maintained. However, 41.3% have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is notably high and warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on braking and suspension systems.

At nearly 78,000 miles on average, these cars show typical wear for their age, but the real concern is the 8 advisories per vehicle on record—this luxury saloon demands regular attention to electrics, trim, and suspension components. Before buying, insist on a full BMW diagnostic check, not just a standard MOT, as the high advisory count suggests these cars are expensive to keep fault-free.

Below average reliability 5.6% above UK average
85.6%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
73,968
typical mileage
58,506–98,508 middle half
41.3%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
1.76
avg MOT failures per car
over 10.9 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2013 BMW 7 Series

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • ⚠️ 41.3% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a BMW 7 Series

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (88%) 315 85.1% 1.83
Petrol (8%) 27 90.7% 1.11
Hybrid Electric (Clean) (4%) 13 85.8% 1.69
Other (0%) 1 100% 0

Mileage Distribution

Most 2013 BMW 7 Series vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

58,506
low mileage
73,968
typical
98,508
high mileage

Half of all 2013 BMW 7 Series vehicles fall between 58,506 and 98,508 miles.

2013 BMW 7 Series — Still on the Road

248 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 72% of the peak remain.

54 248 2015 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2015–2025.

MOT History Averages

10.9
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.76
Avg failures per vehicle
8
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific BMW 7 Series?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — BMW 7 Series:

1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022