2009 BMW 7 Series · 2,151 MOT tests
2009 BMW 7 Series reliability
2009 BMW 7 Seriess fail 19.9% of first MOT tests, 53% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 22 7 Series years (2,151 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 7 Seriess: 15.9%)
- 19.9%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 7 Seriess: 15.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 53% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- 121,219
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,151
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does better)
- 2010 cars: 56% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.2% of tests fail here (70% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 77% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2009 car carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Common problems
What fails on a 2009 BMW 7 Series
Fail rate by area
- Suspension8%
- Tyres5.4%
- Lights and electrics4.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.3%
- Brakes2.6%
- Wheels1.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.25%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.53%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.3%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.26%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.07%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.02%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.32%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.67%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (5.76%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.79%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.42%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (4.09%)
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 2009 BMW 7 Series reliable?
2009 BMW 7 Seriess fail 19.9% of first MOT tests, 53% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 22 7 Series years (2,151 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 BMW 7 Series MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.25% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.53% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (1.3% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 BMW 7 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 14, a typical 2009 BMW 7 Series shows 121,219 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2009 car?
A car first registered in 2009 carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
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