2013 BMW 730d: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 BMW 730d?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 BMW 730d than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Wheels2.2× usual
  BMW 730d

  2.9% All 2013 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.4% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Common 2013 BMW 730d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 BMW 730d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% 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
  19% 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
  14% 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 mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Lights and electrics
  6% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  3% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 BMW 730d

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the wheels? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2013 BMW 730d as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?