1997 BMW 740 4.4L Petrol · R286 BLK
1997 BMW 740 (4.4L, petrol). First registered 01/08/1997. Recorded mileage 107,383 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- BMW 740
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 06/12/2025
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (12/02/2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 107,383 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 4.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- PETROL
- Year
- 1997
- Engine
- 4398cc
R286 BLK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 05/12/2024
- 107,383 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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R286 BLK Mileage History
- 31/10/2022106,719 mi
- 01/11/2023106,842 mi+123 mi
- 07/12/2023106,831 mi-11 mi
- 07/12/2023106,831 mi
- 05/12/2024107,383 mi+552 mi
Average of roughly 317 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
R286 BLK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1997 BMW 740 (R286 BLK) between October 2022 and December 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 05 December 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (7 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Bodywork (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 21 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (b))”; “Exhaust hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise significant caution before purc
Given the age and the specific failures recorded, any potential buyer should prioritise a professional inspection of the fuel system and the chassis. The 2023 MOT history specifically flagged corroded fuel pipes and underbody corrosion, which are critical safety and longevity issues for a vehicle of this era. Ensure that any work claimed to have been done to rectify these issues is documented with receipts.
Negotiate based on the documented history of oil leaks and suspension wear. You should also ask for evidence of recent maintenance regarding the braking system, as the parking brake has been noted as 'low on effort and noisy' in recent records. Because this is a large 4.4L petrol engine, ensure the cooling system and exhaust components have been thoroughly checked to avoid the high emissions issues seen in late 2023.
Running this 4398cc BMW 740 will be expensive. The large engine size places it in a high insurance group and a high tax band, which will be a significant annual outgoing. Fuel economy is expected to be low, typical for a heavy, high-displacement luxury saloon from the late 1990s.
Maintenance costs are likely to be high due to the complexity of the vehicle and the recurring MOT advisories regarding oil leaks and suspension components. Expect to budget significantly more than the average for a standard car to cover parts and specialist labour for a large-capacity BMW.
A thorough inspection of the underside is essential. The MOT history explicitly mentions underbody corrosion and corroded front bumper mountings. You must check the integrity of the fuel lines, as 'corroded fuel pipes' caused a failure in 2023.
Additionally, examine the engine bay for the source of the 'not excessive' oil leaks noted in multiple MOT tests since 2022. Inspect the suspension, specifically the rear shock absorbers and front suspension arm bushes, which have been flagged as weak or worn. Finally, test the handbrake thoroughly, as it has a history of requiring attention and being noisy.
This 1997 silver BMW 740 has covered 107,383 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 8,738 miles per year. The MOT record shows a pattern of failures related to fuel pipe corrosion, exhaust emissions, and structural underbody corrosion. While it passed its most recent test in December 2024, the history indicates several ongoing mechanical and structural concerns.
Based on an analysis of 3,620 similar vehicles, this model has an average MOT pass rate of 89.4%, with common failures involving tyres, suspension arms, and wheels.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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