BMW 520 (2019)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 260 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Total Tests (2024)
260
Avg Mileage
53,629 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,482
Is the 2019 BMW 520 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 5 years old, 93% of BMW 520s from 2019 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 260 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 53,629 miles.
How does the 2019 BMW 520 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2019 BMW 520 has 53,629 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-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 2019 sits between the two at 93%.
How much does a 2019 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 2019 BMW 520
The 2019 BMW 520 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 260 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2019, the average MOT pass rate is 90%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 53,629 miles at 5 years old, BMW 520 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2019 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 2019 BMW 520?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,482 (£124/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% 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 2019 BMW 520
At 5 years old, the BMW 520 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 97%.
Alternatives to the 2019 BMW 520
The BMW 520 is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel premiums from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2017) 91% pass rate (-2%) from 127,682 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2019) 89% pass rate (-4%) from 93,803 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (2017) 81% pass rate (-12%) from 80,031 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2018) 84% pass rate (-9%) from 79,867 tests