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

Estimated annual running cost is £2,427 (£202/month), including £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 BMW 5 SERIES?

The 2001 BMW 5 SERIES has a 81% MOT pass rate based on 217 tests in 2026. This ranks 71 out of 362 cars from 2001.

Which year BMW 5 SERIES is most reliable?

The 2023 BMW 5 SERIES has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%. The least reliable year is 1999 at 71%.

BMW 5 SERIES (2001)

Q: Is the 2001 BMW 5 SERIES reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 81% of BMW 5 SERIESs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 217 tests. That's 1 points below the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2001 BMW 5 SERIES?

The average mileage for a 2001 BMW 5 SERIES is 138,008 miles, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 217 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2494cc Petrol

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol2494cc25 years old217 tests138k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2494cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592

Road Tax

Based on 2494cc

£430

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,427

Per month£202/mo

Per week£47/wk

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

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Reliability Verdict

81% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

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 25 years old, 81% of BMW 5 SERIESs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 217 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 138,008 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 cars71th of 362(top 20%)

Rank among BMW models1320th 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

138,008

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 2001 BMW 5 SERIES has 138,008 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

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%.

BMW 5 SERIES by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2023	98%	185	24,552 mi
2022	96%	586	33,834 mi
2021	93%	4,081	35,046 mi
2020	92%	9,409	40,517 mi
2019	92%	33,766	52,218 mi
2018	91%	40,272	63,822 mi
2017	90%	28,884	73,845 mi
2016	91%	104	58,170 mi
2015	93%	135	77,391 mi
2014	88%	495	96,084 mi
2013	83%	12,106	116,962 mi
2012	83%	12,364	124,375 mi
2011	83%	2,348	129,743 mi
2010	83%	1,299	135,211 mi
2009	83%	1,296	149,453 mi
2008	83%	1,682	154,421 mi
2007	81%	1,827	159,927 mi
2006	80%	1,465	158,383 mi
2005	76%	866	156,443 mi
2004	78%	555	149,786 mi
2003	77%	437	139,654 mi
2002	78%	330	147,542 mi
2001	81%	217	138,008 mi
2000	75%	179	151,070 mi
1999	71%	224	143,099 mi
1998	80%	184	126,519 mi
1997	79%	94	129,696 mi
1996	78%	55	148,837 mi
1995	77%	60	147,066 mi
1994	84%	51	134,866 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

RENAULT CLIO

2003 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,217/year

68%

-13%

BMW 3 SERIES

1999 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

-3%

MERCEDES CLK

2003 · 2295cc Petrol

£2,397/year

78%

-3%

BMW Z4

2003 · 2494cc Petrol

£2,397/year

79%

-2%

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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 2026, 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 25 years old, BMW 5 SERIES owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

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 £2,427 (£202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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 25 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2001 BMW 5 SERIES's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 25 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.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 138k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 2001 BMW 5 SERIES stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
BMW 5 SERIES(2001)	81%	£1592	£430	Grp 25-38	£2427
RENAULT CLIO(2003)	68%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2217-£210
BMW 3 SERIES(1999)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397-£30
MERCEDES CLK(2003)	78%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397-£30
BMW Z4(2003)	79%	£1592	£250	Grp 25-38	£2397-£30

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.