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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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Diesel2993cc17 years old1,296 tests149k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2993cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 2993cc

£395
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,045
Per month£170/mo
Per week£39/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

83% 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 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?

Rank among 2009 cars157th of 575(top 27%)
Rank among BMW models1223th of 1,564(top 78%)
vs national average+1%(82% avg)
vs 2009 cars average+8%(75% avg)
vs BMW average-5%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

149,453

Average miles

vs

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

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

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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 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 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 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 2009 BMW 5 SERIES stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
BMW 5 SERIES(2009)83%£1245£395Grp 30-42£2045
BMW 3 SERIES(2008)80%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£145
AUDI A4(2011)82%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£145
AUDI A5(2010)82%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£145
JAGUAR XF(2010)80%£1245£250Grp 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.

Related Bmw Models

Explore other Bmw cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Bmw 5 series.

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