2012 BMW 7 Series · 3,462 MOT tests
2012 BMW 7 Series reliability
2012 BMW 7 Seriess fail 16.4% of first MOT tests, 55% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 22 7 Series years (3,462 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 7 Seriess: 15.9%)
- 16.4%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 7 Seriess: 15.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 55% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 105,367
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,462
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 48% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 43% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: wheels, 1.5% of tests fail here (160% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 83% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 BMW 7 Series
Fail rate by area
- Suspension6.4%
- Tyres5.9%
- Lights and electrics2.6%
- Brakes2.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.2%
- Wheels1.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.99%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.62%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.62%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.56%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.47%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 1.01%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.72%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.38%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (4.53%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.48%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.16%) · Suspension ball joint slight play (3.78%)
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 2012 BMW 7 Series reliable?
2012 BMW 7 Seriess fail 16.4% of first MOT tests, 55% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 22 7 Series years (3,462 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 BMW 7 Series MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (1.99% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.62% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.62% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 BMW 7 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 BMW 7 Series shows 105,367 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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