BMW 325 (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 38 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

82%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2494cc Petrol

Solid Option

82% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol2494cc23 years old38 tests76k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2494cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,808

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

82% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

82% of MOT tests on BMW 325s from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 38 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 76,022 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models82nd of 429(top 20%)

Rank among BMW models1281st of 1,548(bottom 18%)

vs average of all models+0%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+10%(72% avg)

vs BMW average-6%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

76,022

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 BMW 325 had 76,022 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2009 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 85%, while the 2007 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2003 scores 82%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 325 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2011	90%	67	64,573 mi
2010	93%	70	80,454 mi
2009	85%	145	76,378 mi
2008	88%	42	82,745 mi
2007	78%	141	91,529 mi
2006	84%	61	116,842 mi
2005	88%	42	111,892 mi
2003	82%	38	76,022 mi
2001	73%	64	103,357 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Renault Clio

2005 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

67%

-15%

Honda CR-V

2005 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,511/year

70%

-12%

Mercedes E

2005 · 2597cc Petrol

£2,958/year

78%

-4%

Ford Mondeo

2004 · 2000cc Petrol

£2,711/year

69%

-13%

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About the 2003 BMW 325

The 2003 BMW 325 is a premium car. Our records list a 2494cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 38 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 2003 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 76,022 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 325 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

2003 BMW 325 Fuel Costs

The 2494cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2003 BMW 325?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 82% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2003 BMW 325

At 23 years old, the BMW 325 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2009 model has the highest pass rate at 85%. Note: with only 38 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 23 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2003 BMW 325 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW 325(2003)	82%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,808
Renault Clio(2005)	67%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711-£97
Honda CR-V(2005)	70%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511-£297
Mercedes E(2005)	78%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150
Ford Mondeo(2004)	69%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711-£97

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2003 BMW 325

Is the 2003 BMW 325 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 82% of MOT tests on 2003 BMW 325s ended in a pass, from 38 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's level with the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 BMW 325 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 BMW 325?

82% of 38 MOT tests on the 2003 BMW 325 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 82nd of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 20%).

Which year BMW 325 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2009 BMW 325 has the highest MOT pass rate at 85% and the 2007 the lowest at 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 BMW 325?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 BMW 325 is 76,022 miles, which is significantly below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.