Is the 1991 BMW 520 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 79% of BMW 520s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 52 tests. That's 3 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 1991 BMW 520 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 BMW 520?

The 1991 BMW 520 has a 79% MOT pass rate based on 52 tests in 2026. This ranks 93 out of 179 cars from 1991.

Which year BMW 520 is most reliable?

The 2021 BMW 520 has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%. The least reliable year is 1996 at 64%.

BMW 520 (1991)

Q: What is the average mileage for a 1991 BMW 520?

The average mileage for a 1991 BMW 520 is 120,049 miles, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 52 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

79%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1990cc Petrol

Check Carefully

79% pass rate, £2197/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol1990cc35 years old52 tests120k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1990cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1990cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

79% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

At 35 years old, 79% of BMW 520s from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 52 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 120,049 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 cars93th of 179(top 52%)

Rank among BMW models1394th of 1,564(top 89%)

vs national average-3%(82% avg)

vs 1991 cars average+1%(78% avg)

vs BMW average-9%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

120,049

Average miles

259,000

Expected for age

The average 1991 BMW 520 has 120,049 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 259,000 miles for a 35-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1991 sits between the two at 79%.

BMW 520 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	97%	61	21,198 mi
2020	91%	153	37,784 mi
2019	93%	260	53,629 mi
2018	89%	408	59,377 mi
2017	90%	3,033	78,699 mi
2016	90%	21,858	88,137 mi
2015	89%	22,398	100,237 mi
2014	87%	22,280	111,440 mi
2013	86%	13,541	117,221 mi
2012	84%	13,792	126,086 mi
2011	82%	15,882	135,205 mi
2010	82%	8,647	137,583 mi
2009	81%	8,080	144,392 mi
2008	80%	5,590	153,055 mi
2007	79%	6,483	162,310 mi
2006	77%	4,128	171,451 mi
2005	72%	1,137	170,402 mi
2004	78%	502	123,517 mi
2003	75%	752	112,691 mi
2002	74%	599	119,674 mi
2001	75%	416	118,034 mi
2000	78%	219	119,331 mi
1999	78%	368	129,821 mi
1998	65%	366	131,359 mi
1997	69%	183	116,662 mi
1996	64%	114	118,652 mi
1995	75%	336	123,709 mi
1994	78%	201	118,772 mi
1993	74%	138	111,214 mi
1992	71%	99	101,159 mi
1991	79%	52	120,049 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

1991 · 1781cc Petrol

£1,867/year

80%

+1%

BMW 3 SERIES

1990 · 1990cc Petrol

£1,867/year

84%

+5%

FORD ESCORT

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£1,677/year

85%

+6%

MAZDA MX-5

1991 · 1597cc Petrol

£1,827/year

78%

-1%

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About the 1991 BMW 520

The 1991 BMW 520 is a premium with a 1990cc petrol engine. 52 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 120,049 miles at 35 years old, BMW 520 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1991 BMW 520 Fuel Costs

The 1990cc petrol 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 petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1991 BMW 520?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 520 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 520s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1991 BMW 520

At 35 years old, the BMW 520 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 97%. Note: with only 52 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 1991 BMW 520's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 35 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 120k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 1991 BMW 520 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
BMW 520(1991)	79%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1991)	80%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£330
BMW 3 SERIES(1990)	84%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£330
FORD ESCORT(1990)	85%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1677-£520
MAZDA MX-5(1991)	78%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.