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BMW 5 SERIES (2001)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 217 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

81%

Total Tests (2024)

217

Avg Mileage

138,008 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£2,247

Is the 2001 BMW 5 SERIES 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 23 years old, 81% of BMW 5 SERIESs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 217 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 138,008 miles.

How does the 2001 BMW 5 SERIES compare?

Rank among all 2001 cars71th out of 362(top 20%)
Rank among all BMW models1320th out of 1,564(top 84%)
vs national average-1% (82% avg)
vs 2001 cars average+8% (73% avg)
vs BMW average-7% (88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2001 BMW 5 SERIES has 138,008 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Best year to buy a BMW 5 SERIES?

The most reliable year is the 2023 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2001 sits between the two at 81%.

How much does a 2001 BMW 5 SERIES cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 2494cc)
£1,592
🏛️Road Tax
£250
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,247
Per month£187/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

BMW 5 SERIES by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202398%18524,552 mi
202296%58633,834 mi
202193%4,08135,046 mi
202092%9,40940,517 mi
201992%33,76652,218 mi
201891%40,27263,822 mi
201790%28,88473,845 mi
201691%10458,170 mi
201593%13577,391 mi
201488%49596,084 mi
201383%12,106116,962 mi
201283%12,364124,375 mi
201183%2,348129,743 mi
201083%1,299135,211 mi
200983%1,296149,453 mi
200883%1,682154,421 mi
200781%1,827159,927 mi
200680%1,465158,383 mi
200576%866156,443 mi
200478%555149,786 mi
200377%437139,654 mi
200278%330147,542 mi
200181%217138,008 mi
200075%179151,070 mi
199971%224143,099 mi
199880%184126,519 mi
199779%94129,696 mi
199678%55148,837 mi
199577%60147,066 mi
199484%51134,866 mi

Checking a specific BMW 5 SERIES?

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About the 2001 BMW 5 SERIES

The 2001 BMW 5 SERIES is a premium with a 2494cc petrol engine. 217 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 20% of all 2001 cars for reliability.

With an average of 138,008 miles at 23 years old, BMW 5 SERIES owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2001 BMW 5 SERIES 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 2001 BMW 5 SERIES?

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 81% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 5 SERIES Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 5 SERIESs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2001 BMW 5 SERIES

At 23 years old, the BMW 5 SERIES 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 2023 model has the highest pass rate at 98%.

Alternatives to the 2001 BMW 5 SERIES

The BMW 5 SERIES is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines: