BMW 5 Series (2015)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 135 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,927
£161/month
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Excellent
Road Tax
£275
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1800cc Diesel
Great Choice
93% pass rate, £1,927/year to run. 11 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
93% of MOT tests on BMW 5 Seriess from 2015 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 9 years old. That's based on 135 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 77,391 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
77,391
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2015 BMW 5 Series had 77,391 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-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 2015 scores 93%. 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
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About the 2015 BMW 5 Series
The 2015 BMW 5 Series is a premium car. Our records list a 1800cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 135 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 19% of all 2015 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 77,391 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,397 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 2015 BMW 5 Series?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 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 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 2015 BMW 5 Series
At 11 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 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.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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.
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 2015 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(2015) | 93% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £1,927 |
| Ford Fiesta(2013) | 77% | £1,219 | £170 | Grp 8-20 | £1,944+£17 |
| Volkswagen Golf(2017) | 91% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,674-£253 |
| Vauxhall Astra(2013) | 79% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,227+£300 |
| Mercedes A-Class(2017) | 88% | £1,219 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £1,824-£103 |
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 2015 BMW 5 Series
Is the 2015 BMW 5 Series reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 93% of MOT tests on 2015 BMW 5 Seriess ended in a pass, from 135 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2015 BMW 5 Series cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,927 a year (£161 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2015 BMW 5 Series?
93% of 135 MOT tests on the 2015 BMW 5 Series ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 96th of 515 models first registered in 2015 (top 19%).
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 2015 BMW 5 Series?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2015 BMW 5 Series is 77,391 miles, which is in line with the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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