BMW 520 (2014)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 22,280 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
87%
Total Tests (2024)
22,280
Avg Mileage
111,440 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,577
Is the 2014 BMW 520 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 10 years old, 87% of BMW 520s from 2014 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 22,280 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 111,440 miles.
How does the 2014 BMW 520 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2014 BMW 520 has 111,440 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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 2014 sits between the two at 87%.
How much does a 2014 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 2014 BMW 520
The 2014 BMW 520 is a premium with a 2000cc diesel engine. 22,280 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2014, the average MOT pass rate is 81%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 111,440 miles at 10 years old, BMW 520 owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2014 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 £1,037 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 2014 BMW 520?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,577 (£131/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% 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 2014 BMW 520
At 10 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%. With 22,280 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2014 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 (2015) 89% pass rate (+2%) from 121,777 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2013) 79% pass rate (-8%) from 101,969 tests
- AUDI A3 (2015) 88% pass rate (+1%) from 80,797 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (2016) 80% pass rate (-7%) from 78,382 tests