BMW 520 (2008)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 5,590 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

80%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 25-38

2171cc Diesel

Solid Option

80% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2171cc18 years old5,590 tests153k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2171cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,491

Per month£208/mo

Per week£48/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

80% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

80% of MOT tests on BMW 520s from 2008 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 16 years old. That's based on 5,590 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 153,055 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2008 models197th of 566(top half)

Rank among BMW models1330th of 1,548(bottom 15%)

vs average of all models-2%(82% avg)

vs 2008 models average+7%(73% avg)

vs BMW average-8%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

153,055

Average miles

118,400

Expected for age

The average 2008 BMW 520 had 153,055 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

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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 2008 scores 80%. 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

Vauxhall Astra

2010 · 1910cc Diesel

£2,227/year

74%

-6%

Volkswagen Golf

2010 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

77%

-3%

Honda Civic

2007 · 2204cc Diesel

£2,641/year

72%

-8%

Vauxhall Zafira

2010 · 1686cc Diesel

£2,227/year

72%

-8%

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About the 2008 BMW 520

The 2008 BMW 520 is a premium car. Our records list a 2171cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 5,590 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2008, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 153,055 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 520 owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2008 BMW 520 Fuel Costs

The 2171cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 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 2008 BMW 520?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2008 BMW 520

At 18 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%. With 5,590 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 153k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 2008 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(2008)	80%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,491
Vauxhall Astra(2010)	74%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£264
Volkswagen Golf(2010)	77%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£264
Honda Civic(2007)	72%	£1,676	£410	Grp 25-38	£2,641+£150
Vauxhall Zafira(2010)	72%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227-£264

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 2008 BMW 520

Is the 2008 BMW 520 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 80% of MOT tests on 2008 BMW 520s ended in a pass, from 5,590 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2008 BMW 520 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 BMW 520?

80% of 5,590 MOT tests on the 2008 BMW 520 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 197th of 566 models first registered in 2008 (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 2008 BMW 520?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2008 BMW 520 is 153,055 miles, which is above the expected 118,400 miles for a 16-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.