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BMW 7 Series F01/F02 (2008-2014) reliability

At a glance

BMW 7 Series F01/F02 built around 2014: about average at the MOT

BMW 7 Series F01/F02 models built around 2014 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a BMW 7 Series F01/F02?

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

Key figure

16% of MOT tests on BMW 7 Series F01/F02 models built around 2014 ended in a fail (retests included), against 15% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW 7 Series F01/F02 models built around 2014 involves the tyres.

BMW 7 Series F01/F02
excellent reliability2008-2014SaloonPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 5,297 tests of 7 Series models registered 2008-2014.

About 1 in 20 7 Series F01/F02 MOTs (5.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2014 (11 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 943 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 4.1% and 7.0%. 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 F01/F02 MOTs (6.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2014 (11 years old).

Based on 943 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 5.4% and 8.6%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

F01/F02 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
37811.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
94315.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
76914.6%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
98816.1%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
70413.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
61513.7%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
54319.3%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
35719.6%

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 17 years old.

How the 7 Series F01/F02 compares

At each age below, see how the 7 Series F01/F02 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 144,555 tests across 17 BMW models, built around 2014 (11 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
37811.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
94315.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
76914.6%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
98816.1%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
70413.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
61513.7%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
54319.3%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
35719.6%

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 discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

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 F01/F02.

  1. 1

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.7%
    Dangerous
    4.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.4%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 2.7%, against 5.4% for the BMW 7 Series F01/F02.

    3,114 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  2. 2

    Mercedes-Benz S-Class

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.6%
    Dangerous
    4.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    74.5%

    Lower fail rate: 12.4%, against 15.7% for the BMW 7 Series F01/F02, both built around 2014.

    1,439 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  3. 3

    Mercedes-Benz CLS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.7%
    Dangerous
    9.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    83.3%

    No clear edge over the BMW 7 Series F01/F02 on these figures.

    2,967 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

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.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

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

12 of the 65 7 Series F01/F02 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 Critical
  • 8 more

Top concerns

  • Exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak
  • Possibility of fire
  • Short circuit may occur

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

How 7 Series F01/F02 cars have aged

How 7 Series F01/F02 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%7911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (710 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.9% (645 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (565 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (550 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (518 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (547 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (511 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 15.1% (471 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (449 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 14.9% (402 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (768 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (705 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (674 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (586 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (544 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (624 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (570 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (513 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (468 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (403 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (542 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (497 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (495 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (404 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (328 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 18.8% (377 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 16.9% (295 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (265 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (218 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 15.3% (209 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (573 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (558 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (501 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (401 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 19.6% (357 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011
F01/F02 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 2014, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the F01/F02 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    18.4%
    Advisory: 242Fail: 26 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    11.7%
    Advisory: 122Fail: 57 (32% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.8%
    Advisory: 49Fail: 43 (47% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    5.9%
    Advisory: 64Fail: 1 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    5.6%
    Advisory: 70Fail: 1 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 943 tests

Looking at a BMW 7 Series F01/F02?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2014 (11 years old), the BMW 7 Series F01/F02 (2008-2014) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 943 11-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 5,297 MOT tests on BMW 7 Series models first registered between 2008-2014. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.