2006 BMW 730 3.0L Diesel · RK55 AAE

The most recent DVSA examination on 31 May 2024 resulted in a Pass, which is positive on the surface; however, the maintenance trend reveals a vehicle in a notably worsening condition. The test immediately preceding it, conducted just two days earlier on 29 May 2024, recorded a Fail with three Major defects, all involving fractured coil springs at the nearside front, offside rear, and nearside rear. The fact that the vehicle was repaired and re-presented within forty-eight hours suggests the owner addressed the immediate safety items to secure a pass, but the underlying suspension wear remains a significant concern. Additionally, the latest pass carries three advisories, including an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and worn on edge, alongside worn suspension arm pins or bushes at both the front and rear, indicating that further deterioration is likely. The cumulative picture from these consecutive tests points to a suspension and chassis system that is heavily worn and approaching a point where more extensive component replacement will be necessary in the near term. With a recorded mileage of 122,799 miles over a twenty-year lifespan, this 730 has averaged approximately 6,140 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a luxury saloon of this vintage and indicates consistent but not exhaustive use. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history that would suggest prolonged periods of standing, and the mileage progression between the 2021 and 2024 tests is consistent with regular driving. That said, even average annual mileage on a vehicle now two decades old accumulates considerable wear on consumable and structural components alike, and the recorded MOT data clearly corroborates this, particularly in respect of the suspension assemblies, springs, and tyres which have shown progressive advisory items and outright failures in recent tests. For a prospective buyer, the fractured coil springs are the most pressing concern, as their replacement on a 7 Series E65/E66 platform is a labour-intensive job that often necessitates removing the front strut assemblies entirely and addressing related wear on the spring seats and top mounts while the components are dismantled. The advisories regarding worn suspension arm pins and bushes at both axles suggest that the entire bush set, including the upper and lower rear items, is approaching the threshold where movement will exceed acceptable limits, potentially resulting in MOT failure on the next test. On a road inspection, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and pay particular attention to any vagueness in steering response or a sense that the vehicle is unsettled over undulating tarmac, as these are classic symptoms of degraded bushes and tired springs. Uneven tyre wear, particularly inner-edge wear on the front, is another strong indicator that suspension geometry is compromised and a four-wheel alignment and full suspension overhaul should be budgeted for. Beyond the documented suspension concerns, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants thorough physical inspection of age-related items not necessarily captured in MOT data. The brake discs and calipers are highly susceptible to corrosion and binding after even short periods of inactivity, particularly given the complexity of the E65 caliper design, and a test drive should include several firm stops from higher speeds to check for shuddering or pulling to one side. Check the condition of all tyres, including those not flagged in the advisories, for sidewall perishing and cracking caused by age rather than wear, which is common on a vehicle two decades old. Verify the service history meticulously, confirming that the timing chain, a known concern on the N62 V8 petrol engine fitted to this model, has been addressed, and inspect for any oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets, front and rear crankshaft seals, and the notoriously troublesome oil filter housing gasket. Finally, ensure that all time-based fluid services, including brake fluid, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid, have been carried out at the prescribed intervals, as degradation of these fluids can lead to costly failures in the sophisticated electronic and hydraulic systems this vehicle relies upon.