BMW 5 SERIES (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 555 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
555
Avg Mileage
149,786 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 2004 BMW 5 SERIES reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 20 years old, 78% of BMW 5 SERIESs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 555 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 149,786 miles.
How does the 2004 BMW 5 SERIES compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 BMW 5 SERIES has 149,786 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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 2004 sits between the two at 78%.
How much does a 2004 BMW 5 SERIES 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 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 |
Checking a specific BMW 5 SERIES?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 BMW 5 SERIES
The 2004 BMW 5 SERIES is a premium with a 2497cc diesel engine. 555 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 149,786 miles at 20 years old, BMW 5 SERIES owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2004 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 £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 2004 BMW 5 SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 2004 BMW 5 SERIES
At 20 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 2004 BMW 5 SERIES
The BMW 5 SERIES is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel premiums from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- HONDA CIVIC (2006) 71% pass rate (-7%) from 28,045 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2005) 78% pass rate (same) from 24,924 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (2006) 73% pass rate (-5%) from 23,355 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (2006) 78% pass rate (same) from 17,245 tests