BMW 520 (2000)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 219 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Total Tests (2024)
219
Avg Mileage
119,331 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 2000 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 24 years old, 78% of BMW 520s from 2000 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 219 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 119,331 miles.
How does the 2000 BMW 520 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2000 BMW 520 has 119,331 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-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 2000 sits between the two at 78%.
How much does a 2000 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 2000 BMW 520
The 2000 BMW 520 is a premium with a 2171cc petrol engine. 219 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2000, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 119,331 miles at 24 years old, BMW 520 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2000 BMW 520 Fuel Costs
The 2171cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 2000 BMW 520?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 2000 BMW 520
At 24 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 2000 BMW 520
The BMW 520 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (-7%) from 8,442 tests
- AUDI TT (2002) 73% pass rate (-5%) from 8,289 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (1999) 78% pass rate (same) from 7,815 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2002) 70% pass rate (-8%) from 6,573 tests