BMW 520 (2005)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 1,137 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
1,137
Avg Mileage
170,402 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,727
Is the 2005 BMW 520 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 19 years old, 72% of BMW 520s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 1,137 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 170,402 miles.
How does the 2005 BMW 520 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2005 BMW 520 has 170,402 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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 2005 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 2005 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 2005 BMW 520
The 2005 BMW 520 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 1,137 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 170,402 miles at 19 years old, BMW 520 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2005 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 £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 2005 BMW 520?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% 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 2005 BMW 520
At 19 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 2005 BMW 520
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2007) 73% pass rate (+1%) from 80,988 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2007) 71% pass rate (-1%) from 71,923 tests
- HONDA CIVIC (2007) 72% pass rate (same) from 45,025 tests
- AUDI A3 (2007) 75% pass rate (+3%) from 30,361 tests