1999 BMW 840i: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the BMW 840i first registered in 1999: we looked at the 334 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 334 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1999 BMW 840i MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1999 BMW 840i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension25% 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.
- Brakes16% 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.
- Lights and electrics14% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres12% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks10% 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.
- Rust and bodywork9% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 BMW 840i
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 840i?
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 840i compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1,129 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 281 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 3,788 | Tyres 25% |
| 2019 | 758 | Tyres 24% |
| 1998 | 369 | Suspension 26% |
| 1997 | 519 | Suspension 33% |
| 1996 | 270 | Suspension 33% |
| 1995 | 347 | Suspension 40% |
| 1994 | 146 | Suspension 39% |
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 840i cars first registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score