BMW 520 (2013)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 13,541 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,077

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

2000cc Diesel

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2,077/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific BMW 520

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Diesel2000cc13 years old13,541 tests117k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2000cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,077

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/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

86% 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.

86% of MOT tests on BMW 520s from 2013 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 11 years old. That's based on 13,541 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 117,221 miles.

Got a BMW 520 you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2013 models217th of 588(top half)

Rank among BMW models1047th of 1,548(bottom half)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 2013 models average+6%(80% avg)

vs BMW average-2%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

117,221

Average miles

81,400

Expected for age

The average 2013 BMW 520 had 117,221 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

Looking at a specific BMW 520?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

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 2013 scores 86%. 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

2015 · 1968cc Diesel

£2,077/year

89%

+3%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

-7%

Audi A3

2015 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

88%

+2%

BMW 3 Series

2013 · 1995cc Diesel

£2,077/year

85%

-1%

Check a Specific BMW 520

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2013 BMW 520

The 2013 BMW 520 is a premium car. Our records list a 2000cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 13,541 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 117,221 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 520 owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2013 BMW 520 Fuel Costs

The 2000cc 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 2013 BMW 520?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,077 (£173/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% 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 2013 BMW 520

At 13 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 13,541 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 117k 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 2013 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(2013)	86%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077
Volkswagen Golf(2015)	89%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077same
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£150
Audi A3(2015)	88%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£283
BMW 3 Series(2013)	85%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077same

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 2013 BMW 520

Is the 2013 BMW 520 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2013 BMW 520s ended in a pass, from 13,541 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2013 BMW 520 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,077 a year (£173 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 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 2013 BMW 520?

86% of 13,541 MOT tests on the 2013 BMW 520 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 217th of 588 models first registered in 2013 (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 2013 BMW 520?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2013 BMW 520 is 117,221 miles, which is above the expected 81,400 miles for a 11-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.