BMW 520 (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 114 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
64%
Total Tests (2024)
114
Avg Mileage
118,652 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 1996 BMW 520 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 28 years old, 64% of BMW 520s from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 114 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 118,652 miles.
How does the 1996 BMW 520 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 BMW 520 has 118,652 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1996 BMW 520 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
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 1996 BMW 520
The 1996 BMW 520 is a premium with a 1991cc petrol engine. 114 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 92% of 1996 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 118,652 miles at 28 years old, BMW 520 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1996 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 1996 BMW 520?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 64% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
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 1996 BMW 520
At 28 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.
Alternatives to the 1996 BMW 520
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1996) 67% pass rate (+3%) from 8,643 tests
- MAZDA MX-5 (1998) 75% pass rate (+11%) from 8,017 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1998) 79% pass rate (+15%) from 6,287 tests
- BMW Z3 (1997) 75% pass rate (+11%) from 5,268 tests