BMW 5 SERIES (2015)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 135 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Total Tests (2024)
135
Avg Mileage
77,391 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,427
Is the 2015 BMW 5 SERIES reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 9 years old, 93% of BMW 5 SERIESs from 2015 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 135 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 77,391 miles.
How does the 2015 BMW 5 SERIES compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2015 BMW 5 SERIES has 77,391 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-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 2015 sits between the two at 93%.
How much does a 2015 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 2015 BMW 5 SERIES
The 2015 BMW 5 SERIES is a premium with a 1800cc diesel engine. 135 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 2015 cars for reliability.
With an average of 77,391 miles at 9 years old, BMW 5 SERIES owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2015 BMW 5 SERIES Fuel Costs
The 1800cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 2015 BMW 5 SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,427 (£119/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2015 BMW 5 SERIES
At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2023 model has the highest pass rate at 98%.
Alternatives to the 2015 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:
- FORD FIESTA (2013) 77% pass rate (-16%) from 211,536 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2017) 91% pass rate (-2%) from 127,682 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2013) 79% pass rate (-14%) from 101,969 tests
- MERCEDES A-CLASS (2017) 88% pass rate (-5%) from 82,055 tests