CarVerify

Free Car Check

P85 PLH

1997 BMW 740

Blue Petrol 4398cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires3 Sep 2026
Tests32 (18 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate56.3%

Mileage

168,328 mi
Last recorded168,328 miles
Recorded on4 Sep 2025
Typical for 1997 BMW 740119,456 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this BMW
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £9.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationP85 PLH
MakeBMW
Model740
Year1997
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine4,398cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

18 pass 14 fail
Pass 4 Sep 2025 168,328 miles

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Forward arm, outer bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Hub bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive Engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 16 Dec 2023 166,774 miles

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 16 Jan 2023 164,809 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp has a product on the light source but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Rear Nail in tyre ()

Offside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Pass 13 Nov 2021 164,263 miles

slight corrosion under vehicle

Pass 20 Oct 2020 160,279 miles

Boot floor corroded

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 16 Oct 2020 160,279 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded and likely to fail (1.1.12 (f) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Boot floor corroded

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 29 Sep 2020

Headlamp light intensity severely reduced both dips no pattern (4.1.4 (a))

Nearside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

Offside Front Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded (1.1.12 (f) (i))

Offside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Front Inner Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

rear suspension corroded

Pass 1 Oct 2019 156,315 miles

Exhaust mounting defective nearside rear mount corroded/broken (6.1.2 (a))

Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output both dips (4.1.4 (b))

Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive both rear inner sills corroded (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view chips x 2 (3.2 (a) (i))

Fail 1 Oct 2019 156,315 miles

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))

Exhaust mounting defective nearside rear mount corroded/broken (6.1.2 (a))

Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output both dips (4.1.4 (b))

Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive both rear inner sills corroded (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view chips x 2 (3.2 (a) (i))

Pass 5 Oct 2018 150,309 miles

Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge both rear (5.2.3 (e))

Fail 2 Oct 2018 150,309 miles

Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced both no pattern (4.1.4 (b))

Headlamp insecure both (4.1.1 (c))

Nearside Front Service brake lagging in operation 43% (1.2.1 (d))

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge both rear (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 4 Oct 2017 141,604 miles

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (1.7.5a)

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Oil leak ()

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Fail 22 Sep 2017 141,525 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement rear arm inner bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement rear arm inner bush & ball joint dust cover split (2.4.G.2)

Offside Headlamp has a product on the light source so that the light output is severely reduced condensation in lamp (1.7.5a)

Parking brake lever ratchet mechanism is broken (3.1.5)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (1.7.5a)

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Oil leak ()

Rear registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Pass 29 Sep 2016 136,700 miles

Engine oil leak

Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output condensation in both headlamps (1.7.5a)

Nearside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Pass 18 Sep 2015 132,405 miles
Fail 17 Sep 2015 132,404 miles

Front position lamp(s) not working both (1.1.A.3b)

Nearside Rear Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Pass 10 Sep 2014 125,809 miles
Fail 9 Sep 2014 125,809 miles

Nearside Inner Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Inner Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Pass 20 Sep 2013 123,172 miles
Fail 18 Sep 2013 123,167 miles

Front front brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)

Fail 19 Aug 2013 123,162 miles

All position lamps not working (1.1.A.3b)

Body insecure and dangerous to other road users (6.1.B.1b)

Direction indicators not working (1.4.A.2c)

Emissions not tested (7.0)

Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Front Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Pass 23 Apr 2012 121,143 miles

Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

brake disc rusty on inside front both

Fail 19 Apr 2012 121,139 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

brake disc rusty on inside front both

Pass 20 Apr 2011 119,863 miles

Nearside Front Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Fail 18 Apr 2011 119,854 miles

Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Offside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Pass 21 Apr 2010 114,612 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Spare tyre defective

fuel tank has been repaired

handbrake travel getting high

Nail in nearside rear tyre

Fail 8 Apr 2009 107,993 miles

Fuel tank has been repaired

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Rear numberplate delaminating

Nail in offside rear tyre

Nearside rear tyre has a nail in it and sidewall damage

Pass 8 Apr 2009 107,993 miles

Fuel tank has been repaired

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Rear numberplate delaminating

Nail in offside rear tyre

Nearside rear tyre has a nail in it and sidewall damage

Pass 26 Feb 2008 99,292 miles

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a seal (2.3.3b)

Fail 23 Feb 2008 99,286 miles

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7) DANGEROUS

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a seal (2.3.3b)

Fail 5 Oct 2006 93,505 miles

Nearside Inner Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Rear Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Rear position lamp(s) excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Pass 5 Oct 2006 93,505 miles

How Reliable is the BMW 740?

Based on 66,909 MOT tests across 7,677 vehicles.

77.7%
Pass Rate
5,446
Miles/Year
34
Year Lifespan
7,677
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 2,288
Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint 1,736
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 1,281
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 1,245
Brake pipe excessively corroded 1,224
Full BMW 740 reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

P85 PLH is a 1997 BMW 740 in Blue with a 4,398cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 56.3%.

Across all 1997 BMW 740 models, the average MOT pass rate is 70.6% with a typical mileage of 119,456 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a BMW 740 fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 2,288 recorded failures. If you're considering buying P85 PLH, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The BMW 740 typically stays on UK roads for around 34 years. At 29 years old, this BMW 740 is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of P85 PLH?

You can check the full history of P85 PLH by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P85 PLH registered?

P85 PLH is a 1997 BMW 740, first registered on 20 June 1997.

Is P85 PLH safe to buy?

The MOT history for P85 PLH shows 32 tests with a 56.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P85 PLH have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on P85 PLH. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.