BMW 5 Series (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 437 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,641

£220/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2497cc Diesel

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,641/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Diesel2497cc23 years old437 tests140k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2497cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,641

Per month£220/mo

Per week£51/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

77% of MOT tests on BMW 5 Seriess from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 437 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 139,654 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models136th of 429(top half)

Rank among BMW models1441st of 1,548(bottom 7%)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+5%(72% avg)

vs BMW average-11%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

139,654

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 BMW 5 Series had 139,654 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2003 scores 77%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

BMW 3 Series

2005 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,641/year

78%

+1%

Honda Civic

2005 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

73%

-4%

Land Rover Discovery

2005 · 2600cc Diesel

£2,641/year

78%

+1%

Audi A4

2004 · 2496cc Diesel

£2,641/year

74%

-3%

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About the 2003 BMW 5 Series

The 2003 BMW 5 Series is a premium car. Our records list a 2497cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 437 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 139,654 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 5 Series owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 BMW 5 Series Fuel Costs

The 2497cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2003 BMW 5 Series?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,641 (£220/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 5 Series Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 5 Seriess pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 140k 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 2003 BMW 5 Series 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 5 Series(2003)	77%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641
BMW 3 Series(2005)	78%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,641same
Honda Civic(2005)	73%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641same
Land Rover Discovery(2005)	78%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,641same
Audi A4(2004)	74%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641same

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 5 Series

Is the 2003 BMW 5 Series reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2003 BMW 5 Seriess ended in a pass, from 437 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 BMW 5 Series cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,641 a year (£220 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 BMW 5 Series?

77% of 437 MOT tests on the 2003 BMW 5 Series ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 136th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top half).

Which year BMW 5 Series has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 BMW 5 Series has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 1999 the lowest at 71%. 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 5 Series?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 BMW 5 Series is 139,654 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.