BMW 5 SERIES (2020)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 9,409 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
9,409
Avg Mileage
40,517 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,037
Is the 2020 BMW 5 SERIES reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 4 years old, 92% of BMW 5 SERIESs from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 9,409 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 40,517 miles.
How does the 2020 BMW 5 SERIES compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2020 BMW 5 SERIES has 40,517 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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 2020 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2020 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 2020 BMW 5 SERIES
The 2020 BMW 5 SERIES is a premium performance with a 2998cc petrol engine. 9,409 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 40,517 miles at 4 years old, BMW 5 SERIES owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2020 BMW 5 SERIES Fuel Costs
The 2998cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2020 BMW 5 SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,037 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% 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 2020 BMW 5 SERIES
At 4 years old, the BMW 5 SERIES offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2023 model has the highest pass rate at 98%. With 9,409 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2020 BMW 5 SERIES
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT (2018) 93% pass rate (+1%) from 34,257 tests
- BMW X3 (2019) 92% pass rate (same) from 32,937 tests
- MERCEDES GLC (2019) 93% pass rate (+1%) from 30,341 tests
- BMW X5 (2019) 92% pass rate (same) from 23,506 tests