1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 BMW 7 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

140 MOT tests in 2024. 75.0% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time75.0%
Failed or needed repairs25.0%
Typical mileage at test114,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 140 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.3%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.3%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits3.6%
  4. Stop lamp: not working2.9%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.1%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.1%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.1%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits2.1%
  9. Steering linkage: insecure to the extent there is excessive movement at the mountings2.1%
    8 marked dangerous
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.4%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks19.3%
  2. Lights & electrics19.3%
  3. Brakes15.0%
  4. Suspension8.6%
  5. Steering7.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.7%
  7. Body & chassis3.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.0%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded15.7%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.6%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.7%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All 7 Series years1997 7 Series →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 BMW 7 Series?

In 2024, 75.0% of 1996 BMW 7 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 140 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 BMW 7 Series?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1996 BMW 7 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 113, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).