At a Glance
The Bmw 7 Series has 11 identified common problems across 7 generations, with the E38 (1994-2001) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 418K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Bmw 7 Series common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Bmw 7 Series generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Bmw 7 Series Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
E23
Most common MOT failure: Brake performance below minimum
E32
Top issue: Steering box fault
E38
Top issue: Fuel tank corroded or leaking
E65
Top issue: Airbag warning light on
F01
Top issue: Tyre condition
G11
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
G70
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
Most Common Bmw 7 Series MOT Failures
Every reason Bmw 7 Series vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 16.77% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.14% |
| 3 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 6.30% |
| 4 | Tyre condition | 5.93% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.93% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.07% |
| 7 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.59% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 3.51% |
| 9 | Front lamp not working | 3.34% |
| 10 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.04% |
| 11 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.54% |
| 12 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.31% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.05% |
| 14 | Track rod end worn | 2.00% |
| 15 | Number plate lamp not working | 1.93% |
| 16 | Exhaust system fault | 1.90% |
| 17 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.49% |
| 18 | Airbag warning light on | 1.49% |
| 19 | Indicator fault | 1.42% |
| 20 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.39% |
| 21 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.30% |
| 22 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.10% |
| 23 | Position lamp not working | 1.05% |
| 24 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.04% |
| 25 | Parking brake condition | 1.01% |
| 26 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.91% |
| 27 | Rear lamp not working | 0.89% |
| 28 | Fog lamp not working | 0.81% |
| 29 | Seat belt condition | 0.79% |
| 30 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.77% |
| 31 | ABS fault | 0.74% |
| 32 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.71% |
| 33 | Headlamp fault | 0.57% |
| 34 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.52% |
| 35 | Drag link end worn | 0.49% |
| 36 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.48% |
| 37 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.42% |
| 38 | Horn not working | 0.33% |
| 39 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.32% |
| 40 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.32% |
| 41 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.31% |
| 42 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.28% |
| 43 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.25% |
| 44 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.24% |
| 45 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.24% |
| 46 | Steering arm worn | 0.21% |
| 47 | Driveshaft fault | 0.19% |
| 48 | Rear suspension fault | 0.17% |
| 49 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.16% |
| 50 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.16% |
| 51 | Chassis condition | 0.15% |
| 52 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.15% |
| 53 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.15% |
| 54 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 55 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.13% |
| 56 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.13% |
| 57 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.13% |
| 58 | Engine oil leak | 0.13% |
| 59 | Driver airbag fault | 0.11% |
| 60 | Brake pedal fault | 0.11% |
| 61 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 62 | Steering free play excessive | 0.11% |
| 63 | Front suspension fault | 0.10% |
| 64 | Electrical switch fault | 0.10% |
| 65 | Steering rack fault | 0.10% |
| 66 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.09% |
| 67 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.09% |
| 68 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.08% |
| 69 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.08% |
| 70 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.08% |
| 71 | Brake caliper fault | 0.08% |
| 72 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.07% |
| 73 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.07% |
| 74 | Brake fluid leak | 0.07% |
| 75 | Steering operation fault | 0.07% |
| 76 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.06% |
| 77 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 78 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.06% |
| 79 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.05% |
| 80 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 81 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.05% |
| 82 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 83 | Steering box fault | 0.05% |
| 84 | Power steering pump fault | 0.05% |
| 85 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 86 | Brake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 87 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.04% |
| 88 | Suspension unit fault | 0.04% |
| 89 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 90 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 91 | Steering lock fault | 0.04% |
| 92 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 93 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 95 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 97 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 101 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.02% |
| 103 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 105 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 107 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 108 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 111 | Electric power steering fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 113 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.01% |
| 114 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 115 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 116 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 117 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 118 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 119 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 121 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 124 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 128 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 129 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 133 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 134 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 140 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 141 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 142 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 147 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 151 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 153 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 158 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 160 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 162 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 163 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 167 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 168 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 169 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 170 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 171 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 173 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 178 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Bmw 7 Series MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Bmw 7 Series, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Bmw 7 Series problems?
Based on analysis of 418K Bmw 7 Series MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 11 identified common problems across 7 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Tyre condition". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Bmw 7 Series generation has the most problems?
The Bmw 7 Series E38 (1994-2001) (1994–2001) has the highest number of identified common problems (8). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Bmw 7 Series?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Bmw 7 Series owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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