BMW 520 (1994)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 201 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
201
Avg Mileage
118,772 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,017
Is the 1994 BMW 520 reliable?
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 30 years old, 78% of BMW 520s from 1994 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 201 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 118,772 miles.
How does the 1994 BMW 520 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1994 BMW 520 has 118,772 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 222,000 miles for a 30-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a BMW 520?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1994 sits between the two at 78%.
How much does a 1994 BMW 520 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 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 |
Checking a specific BMW 520?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1994 BMW 520
The 1994 BMW 520 is a premium with a 1991cc petrol engine. 201 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1994, the average MOT pass rate is 76%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 118,772 miles at 30 years old, BMW 520 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1994 BMW 520 Fuel Costs
The 1991cc 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 1994 BMW 520?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,017 (£168/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 1994 BMW 520
At 30 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%.
Alternatives to the 1994 BMW 520
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (-11%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1996) 76% pass rate (-2%) from 3,588 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1996) 82% pass rate (+4%) from 3,215 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1996) 74% pass rate (-4%) from 2,930 tests