Used car guide

2009 BMW 7 Series: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW 7 Series first registered in 2009: we looked at the 106 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 106 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

106MOTs of 2009 cars, done in 2023–2025
81%pass first time (all 2009 cars: 59%)
9,400typical miles a year
30%had tyres flagged

Common 2009 BMW 7 Series MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 BMW 7 Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    30% 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.

  • Suspension
    25% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Brakes
    21% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    14% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Lights and electrics
    5% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    4% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 BMW 7 Series

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 7 Series?

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 7 Series compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023–Too new for MOT data
2022654Tyres 15%
20211,219Tyres 15%
20201,034Tyres 17%
20191,416Tyres 18%
20181,237Tyres 20%
20171,368Tyres 21%
2016399Tyres 15%
2015–Too few tests
2014206Tyres 23%
2013799Tyres 21%
2012824Tyres 26%
2011276Tyres 29%
2010185Suspension 27%
2008159Tyres 37%
2007144Suspension 33%
2006206Suspension 37%
2005–Too few tests
2004–Too few tests
2003–Too few tests
2002–Too few tests
2001–Too few tests
2000–Too few tests
1999–Too few tests
1998–Too few tests
1997–Too few tests
1996–Too few tests
1995–Too few tests
1994–Too few tests
1993–Too few tests
1992–Too few tests
1991–Too few tests
1990–Too few tests
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests
1987–Too few tests
1986–Too few tests
1985–Too few tests
1984–Too few tests
1983–Too few tests
1982–Too few tests
1980–Too few tests
1979–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW 7 Series cars first registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score