BMW 5 Series (2016)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 104 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,658
£222/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£445
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 30-42
2979cc Hybrid
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £2,658/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg (petrol-engine estimate; hybrids usually use less)
Estimated CO2 band
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p 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 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
91% of MOT tests on BMW 5 Seriess from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 104 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 58,170 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
58,170
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2016 BMW 5 Series had 58,170 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2016 scores 91%. 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 2016 BMW 5 Series
The 2016 BMW 5 Series is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2979cc hybrid engine, though engines vary between versions. 104 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 58,170 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 5 Series owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 BMW 5 Series Fuel Costs
The 2979cc hybrid engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Our estimate uses around 30 mpg, the figure for a petrol engine of this size, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid it should use less than that, and real-world fuel costs depend a lot on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2016 BMW 5 Series?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,658 (£222/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% 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 2016 BMW 5 Series
At 10 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.
Hybrid Battery Health
Watch outAfter 10 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Medium riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
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 2016 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(2016) | 91% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,658 |
| Lexus NX(2017) | 94% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 25-38 | £2,413-£245 |
| Lexus RX(2017) | 95% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 35-50 | £2,413-£245 |
| Lexus IS(2016) | 91% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 25-38 | £2,658same |
| Toyota Alphard(2017) | 80% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 30-42 | £2,563-£95 |
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 2016 BMW 5 Series
Is the 2016 BMW 5 Series reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 2016 BMW 5 Seriess ended in a pass, from 104 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2016 BMW 5 Series cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,658 a year (£222 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 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 2016 BMW 5 Series?
91% of 104 MOT tests on the 2016 BMW 5 Series ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 159th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (top half).
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 2016 BMW 5 Series?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 BMW 5 Series is 58,170 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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