2011 BMW 7 Series · 3,415 MOT tests
2011 BMW 7 Series reliability
2011 BMW 7 Seriess fail 20.1% of first MOT tests, 48% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 22 7 Series years (3,415 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 7 Seriess: 15.9%)
- 20.1%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 7 Seriess: 15.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 48% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 113,426
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,415
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 56% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- 2012 cars: 55% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.4% of tests fail here (131% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 82% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 BMW 7 Series
Fail rate by area
- Suspension9.1%
- Tyres6.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.2%
- Lights and electrics3.1%
- Brakes2.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.5%
- Wheels1.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.05%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.11%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.99%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.79%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.29%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.23%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.38%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.12%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (5.07%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.8%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.71%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (4.25%)
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 2011 BMW 7 Series reliable?
2011 BMW 7 Seriess fail 20.1% of first MOT tests, 48% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 22 7 Series years (3,415 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 BMW 7 Series MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.05% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (2.11% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.99% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 BMW 7 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 BMW 7 Series shows 113,426 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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