BMW

BMW 730 (2015)

670 real MOT outcomes analysed • 88.6% first-time pass rate

2015 BMW 730

CarHunch analysed 670 real MOT records for the 2015 BMW 730. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2015 BMW 730 diesel passes its first MOT at 87.4%, meaningfully better than the UK average of 80%, which is a solid endorsement of its engineering durability. However, the dangerous defect rate sits at 34%—well above the typical threshold—so buyers should factor in potential costs for serious issues like brake or suspension failures.

These cars are running around 63,000 miles at test time, which is reasonable for their age and suggests typical usage patterns. The average of 1.07 failures per vehicle is low, but advisories average 5.5, indicating that while major problems are rare, maintenance items and wear items do accumulate—plan for regular servicing and have a pre-purchase inspection focus on suspension, brakes, and electrical systems before committing.

The 2015 BMW 730 has a decent first-time pass rate (88.6%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
88.6%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
34%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.07
Over 8.6 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
63k
Middle half: 45k–83k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 88.6% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 5.5 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 670 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 670 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 41.5%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 34.5%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 16.4%
Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view · Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · Oil leak, but not excessive
Suspension & steering 7%
Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement · Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2015.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 670 BMW 730 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2015 BMW 730

Based on MOT data from 670 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 34% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (100%) 669 88.6% 1.07

Colour Breakdown

Based on 21,623 BMW 730 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 32.7%
7,071
Grey 19.6%
4,233
Silver 18.3%
3,949
Blue 13.9%
3,014
White 6.1%
1,315
Green 3.8%
828
Red 3.5%
757
Beige 0.6%
130
Bronze 0.5%
114
Gold 0.4%
96
Yellow 0.3%
72
Brown 0.2%
44

Mileage Distribution

Most 2015 BMW 730 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

62,953
typical
45,145
low mileage
82,755
high mileage

Half of all 2015 BMW 730 vehicles fall between 45,145 and 82,755 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 45,145 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
45,145–82,755 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2015 BMW 730s sit.
Over 111,719 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2015 BMW 730 — Still on the Road

Most 2015 BMW 730s are still being driven.

Strong survival — 529 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 87% of the peak.

34 529 2016 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2016–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

8.6
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.07
Avg failures per vehicle
5.5
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — BMW 730: All 730 years → Which year to buy? →
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Watch for defects — worth knowing