2004 BMW 7 Series · 1,280 MOT tests
2004 BMW 7 Series reliability
2004 BMW 7 Seriess fail 28.5% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 22 7 Series years (1,280 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 7 Seriess: 15.9%)
- 28.5%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 7 Seriess: 15.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 36% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 127,680
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,280
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 42% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2005 cars: 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 5.2% of tests fail here (54% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 86% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 BMW 7 Series
Fail rate by area
- Suspension11.6%
- Lights and electrics10.8%
- Brakes9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.5%
- Tyres6.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.5%
- Seat belts and airbags5.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 4.61%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.97%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.81%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.66%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.5%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.42%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (15.39%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.14%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (12.34%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (12.27%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (5.94%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.55%)
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 2004 BMW 7 Series reliable?
2004 BMW 7 Seriess fail 28.5% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 22 7 Series years (1,280 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 BMW 7 Series MOT?
Most often airbag warning lamp shows fault (4.61% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (2.97% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (2.81% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 BMW 7 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2004 BMW 7 Series shows 127,680 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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