BMW 5 SERIES (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,296 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,045
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
83%
Good
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2993cc Diesel
Solid Option
83% pass rate, £2045/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2993cc
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
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 17 years old, 83% of BMW 5 SERIESs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,296 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 149,453 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
149,453
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 BMW 5 SERIES has 149,453 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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 2009 sits between the two at 83%.
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
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About the 2009 BMW 5 SERIES
The 2009 BMW 5 SERIES is a premium performance with a 2993cc diesel engine. 1,296 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 149,453 miles at 17 years old, BMW 5 SERIES owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 BMW 5 SERIES Fuel Costs
The 2993cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. 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 2009 BMW 5 SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,045 (£170/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% 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 2009 BMW 5 SERIES
At 17 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 2009 BMW 5 SERIES's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 149k 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 riskHigh-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 riskWorn 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 riskAlways 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 2009 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(2009) | 83% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 30-42 | £2045 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2008) | 80% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| AUDI A4(2011) | 82% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| AUDI A5(2010) | 82% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| JAGUAR XF(2010) | 80% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
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.
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