BMW 520 (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 752 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,227

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £2,227/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Diesel1995cc23 years old752 tests113k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,227

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

75% of MOT tests on BMW 520s from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 752 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 112,691 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models166th of 429(top half)

Rank among BMW models1477th of 1,548(bottom 5%)

vs average of all models-7%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+3%(72% avg)

vs BMW average-13%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

112,691

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 BMW 520 had 112,691 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2003 scores 75%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

2005 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

-3%

Vauxhall Astra

2005 · 1598cc Diesel

£2,144/year

69%

-6%

Honda Civic

2005 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

73%

-2%

Audi A3

2005 · 1595cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

-3%

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About the 2003 BMW 520

The 2003 BMW 520 is a premium car. Our records list a 1995cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 752 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 112,691 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 520 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 BMW 520 Fuel Costs

The 1995cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2003 BMW 520?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,227 (£186/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 520 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 520s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2003 BMW 520

At 23 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 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 113k 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.

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 2003 BMW 520 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW 520(2003)	75%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227
Volkswagen Golf(2005)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227same
Vauxhall Astra(2005)	69%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£2,144-£83
Honda Civic(2005)	73%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£414
Audi A3(2005)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944-£283

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2003 BMW 520

Is the 2003 BMW 520 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 2003 BMW 520s ended in a pass, from 752 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 BMW 520 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,227 a year (£186 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 BMW 520?

75% of 752 MOT tests on the 2003 BMW 520 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 166th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top half).

Which year BMW 520 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 BMW 520 has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 1996 the lowest at 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2003 BMW 520?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 BMW 520 is 112,691 miles, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.