BMW 740 (1993)
1993 BMW 740
CarHunch analysed 214 real MOT records for the 1993 BMW 740. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1993 BMW 740 passes its MOT first time in just 73.8% of cases, significantly below the UK average of 80%, suggesting these near-30-year-old cars are becoming harder to keep roadworthy—though the 12.6% dangerous defect rate isn't alarming. Petrol versions dominate this cohort, and the median CarHunch score of 50 reflects their middling reliability profile.
At 142,000 miles median, these cars have typically clocked up substantial mileage for their age, yet still average 1.71 failures per test, pointing to wear across multiple systems rather than one critical weakness. The high advisory count of 7.6 per vehicle underscores the reality that keeping a 740 compliant with modern safety and emissions standards requires constant attention—budget for regular work before you buy one.
What to check before buying a 1993 BMW 740
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.
- 📄 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 740
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Mileage Distribution
Most 1993 BMW 740 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.
Half of all 1993 BMW 740 vehicles fall between 111,783 and 170,532 miles.
1993 BMW 740 — Still on the Road
10 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2023 — 50% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2023.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1993 BMW 740
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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45.5%
Oil leak
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31.7%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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30.6%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
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30.5%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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26.2%
Fuel pipe/s corroded
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23.6%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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20.9%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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16.4%
Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1993. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific BMW 740?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.