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BMW 7 Series E65/E66 (2002-2007) reliability

At a glance

BMW 7 Series E65/E66 built around 2007: about average at the MOT

BMW 7 Series E65/E66 models built around 2007 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a BMW 7 Series E65/E66?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

23% of MOT tests on BMW 7 Series E65/E66 models built around 2007 ended in a fail (retests included), against 22% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW 7 Series E65/E66 models built around 2007 involves the suspension.

BMW 7 Series E65/E66
excellent reliability2002-2007SaloonPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 2,650 tests of 7 Series models registered 2002-2007.

About 1 in 9 7 Series E65/E66 MOTs (10.7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2007 (18 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 766 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 8.7% and 13.1%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 7 Series E65/E66 MOTs (6.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2007 (18 years old).

Based on 766 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 4.6% and 8.1%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

E65/E66 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
25315.4%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
76622.9%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
70222.2%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
35223.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
31223.4%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
17525.7%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
9022.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 22 years old.

How the 7 Series E65/E66 compares

At each age below, see how the 7 Series E65/E66 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 55,685 tests across 10 BMW models, built around 2007 (18 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
25315.4%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
76622.9%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
70222.2%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
35223.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
31223.4%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
17525.7%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
9022.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 7 Series E65/E66.

  1. 1

    Chrysler 300

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27%

    No clear edge over the BMW 7 Series E65/E66 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,113 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  2. 2

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.1%

    No clear edge over the BMW 7 Series E65/E66 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,214 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  3. 3

    Volvo S40

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    30.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8%
    Dangerous
    9.3%

    No clear edge over the BMW 7 Series E65/E66 on these figures.

    1,941 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  4. 4

    Saab 9-3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.3%
    Dangerous
    7.8%

    No clear edge over the BMW 7 Series E65/E66 on these figures.

    6,880 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.

How many are still registered

80%of all BMW 7 Series cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

65 recalls in all

8 of the 65 7 Series E65/E66 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 6 more

Top concerns

  • Short circuit may occur
  • Seat occupancy detector may fail and inpact on airbag protection
  • Possible reduction in brake servo assistance

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on 7 Series E65/E66 cars built around 2007

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,878 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
54%
Emissions
23%
Steering
14%
Bodywork
5%

Wear items

Brakes
52%
Lighting
45%
Tyres
34%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 16% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How 7 Series E65/E66 cars have aged

How 7 Series E65/E66 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1416182022Age at MOTBuilt around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (477 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (445 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 20.2% (381 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (333 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (239 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (767 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (672 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (530 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 22.3% (444 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (398 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (465 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (396 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (297 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (243 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (218 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (344 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (288 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 20.3% (231 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (203 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (163 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (365 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (292 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (215 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (149 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (106 tests, 2025 data)2003Built around 2002, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (167 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2002, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (144 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2002, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (122 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2002, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 18.3% (104 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2002, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (90 tests, 2025 data)2002
First registered around 2007First registered around 2006First registered around 2005First registered around 2004
How each part holds up as E65/E66 cars age

How each part holds up as E65/E66 cars age

The share of petrol cars built pre-2005 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car22 years23 years24 years
Suspension53%58%59%
Brakes34%40%33%
Emissions10%11%14%
Tyres43%39%46%
Lighting42%47%47%
Drivetrain1%2%No figure
Bodywork1%No figure2%
Steering5%8%18%
Corrosion3%3%13%

Based on petrol cars in the pre-2005 build-year band, from 86 to 124 cars at each age.

E65/E66 variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on BMW 7 Series models of this age

This list covers every BMW 7 Series built around 2007, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the E65/E66 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    29.0%
    Advisory: 361Fail: 65 (15% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    28.6%
    Advisory: 226Fail: 2 (1% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    22.1%
    Advisory: 275Fail: 17 (6% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    12.5%
    Advisory: 119Fail: 16 (12% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    9.3%
    Advisory: 81Fail: 24 (23% of the times it was found)

Based on 766 tests

Looking at a BMW 7 Series E65/E66?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2007 (18 years old), the BMW 7 Series E65/E66 (2002-2007) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 766 18-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 2,650 MOT tests on BMW 7 Series models first registered between 2002-2007. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.