1999 BMW 7 Series · 1,289 MOT tests
1999 BMW 7 Series reliability
1999 BMW 7 Seriess fail 25.1% of first MOT tests, 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 22 7 Series years (1,289 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 7 Seriess: 15.9%)
- 25.1%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 7 Seriess: 15.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 38% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 128,742
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,289
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1999 against the years either side
- 1998 cars: 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does better)
- 2000 cars: 39% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does worse)
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 76% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1999 BMW 7 Series
Fail rate by area
- Suspension9.5%
- Lights and electrics7.8%
- Brakes6.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.2%
- Tyres3.2%
- Seat belts and airbags3.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.4%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 1.47%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.32%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Windscreen washers not working 1.16%
Without working washers the windscreen cannot be cleaned while driving, which is a safety risk in dirty weather.
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 1.16%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.16%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (16.68%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.19%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.44%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (5.43%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (4.34%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.27%)
Other years
Every BMW 7 Series year
The full picture: BMW 7 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 7 Series, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1999 BMW 7 Series reliable?
1999 BMW 7 Seriess fail 25.1% of first MOT tests, 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 22 7 Series years (1,289 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1999 BMW 7 Series MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (2.4% of tests), abs warning lamp shows a fault (1.47% of tests), windscreen washer fluid insufficient (1.32% of tests).
How many miles should a 1999 BMW 7 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1999 BMW 7 Series shows 128,742 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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