BMW 325 (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 38 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
82%
Total Tests (2024)
38
Avg Mileage
76,022 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,247
Is the 2003 BMW 325 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 21 years old, 82% of BMW 325s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 38 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 76,022 miles.
How does the 2003 BMW 325 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 BMW 325 has 76,022 miles on the clock, 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.
Best year to buy a BMW 325?
The most reliable year is the 2010 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2003 sits between the two at 82%.
How much does a 2003 BMW 325 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW 325 by Year
Checking a specific BMW 325?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 BMW 325
The 2003 BMW 325 is a premium with a 2494cc petrol engine. 38 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 2003 cars for reliability.
With an average of 76,022 miles at 21 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 BMW 325?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,247 (£187/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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.
BMW 325 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 325s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 BMW 325
At 21 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 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. Note: with only 38 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2003 BMW 325
The BMW 325 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- RENAULT CLIO (2005) 67% pass rate (-15%) from 18,423 tests
- HONDA CR-V (2005) 70% pass rate (-12%) from 16,222 tests
- MERCEDES E (2005) 78% pass rate (-4%) from 8,269 tests
- FORD MONDEO (2004) 69% pass rate (-13%) from 7,419 tests