BMW 5 SERIES (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 4,081 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Total Tests (2024)
4,081
Avg Mileage
35,046 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,772
Is the 2021 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 3 years old, 93% of BMW 5 SERIESs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 4,081 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 35,046 miles.
How does the 2021 BMW 5 SERIES compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 BMW 5 SERIES has 35,046 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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 2021 sits between the two at 93%.
How much does a 2021 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 2021 BMW 5 SERIES
The 2021 BMW 5 SERIES is a premium with a 1998cc hybrid engine. 4,081 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 35,046 miles at 3 years old, BMW 5 SERIES owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2021 BMW 5 SERIES Fuel Costs
The 1998cc hybrid engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2021 BMW 5 SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,772 (£148/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £190 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 2021 BMW 5 SERIES
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. If you're flexible on year, the 2023 model has the highest pass rate at 98%.
Alternatives to the 2021 BMW 5 SERIES
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable hybrid cars with similar engines:
- MINI COOPER S (2019) 92% pass rate (-1%) from 33,682 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT (2019) 94% pass rate (+1%) from 33,069 tests
- TOYOTA C-HR (2019) 92% pass rate (-1%) from 29,893 tests
- MINI COUNTRYMAN (2019) 93% pass rate (same) from 25,254 tests