Is the 2016 BMW 520 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of BMW 520s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 21,858 tests. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2016 BMW 520 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,557 (£130/month), including £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 BMW 520?

The 2016 BMW 520 has a 90% MOT pass rate based on 21,858 tests in 2026. This ranks 201 out of 586 cars from 2016.

Which year BMW 520 is most reliable?

The 2021 BMW 520 has the highest MOT pass rate at 97%. The least reliable year is 1996 at 64%.

What is the average mileage for a 2016 BMW 520?

The average mileage for a 2016 BMW 520 is 88,137 miles, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

BMW 520 (2016)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 21,858 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,557

£130/month

MOT Pass Rate

90%

Excellent

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1995cc Diesel

Great Choice

90% pass rate, £1557/year to run. 8 points above average.

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Diesel1995cc10 years old21,858 tests88k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

~48 mpg

£1,037

Road Tax

Based on 1995cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,557

Per month£130/mo

Per week£30/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

90% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.

At 10 years old, 90% of BMW 520s from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 21,858 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 88,137 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 cars201th of 586(top 34%)

Rank among BMW models672th of 1,564(top 43%)

vs national average+8%(82% avg)

vs 2016 cars average+5%(85% avg)

vs BMW average+2%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

88,137

Average miles

74,000

Expected for age

The average 2016 BMW 520 has 88,137 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 64%. The 2016 sits between the two at 90%.

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

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,350/year

91%

+1%

VAUXHALL ASTRA

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,595/year

79%

-11%

FORD FOCUS

2018 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,500/year

89%

-1%

AUDI A3

2015 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,445/year

88%

-2%

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About the 2016 BMW 520

The 2016 BMW 520 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 21,858 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 88,137 miles at 10 years old, BMW 520 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2016 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 2016 BMW 520?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,557 (£130/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

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 2016 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 21,858 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2016 BMW 520's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 88k 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 2016 BMW 520 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
BMW 520(2016)	90%	£1037	£265	Grp 18-32	£1557
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017)	91%	£905	£190	Grp 12-25	£1350-£207
VAUXHALL ASTRA(2014)	79%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1595+£38
FORD FOCUS(2018)	89%	£905	£190	Grp 12-25	£1500-£57
AUDI A3(2015)	88%	£905	£135	Grp 12-25	£1445-£112

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.