BMW 520 (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 61 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Total Tests (2024)
61
Avg Mileage
21,198 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,772
Is the 2021 BMW 520 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 3 years old, 97% of BMW 520s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 61 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 21,198 miles.
How does the 2021 BMW 520 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 BMW 520 has 21,198 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
How much does a 2021 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 2021 BMW 520
The 2021 BMW 520 is a premium with a 2000cc petrol engine. 61 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 12% of all 2021 cars for reliability.
With an average of 21,198 miles at 3 years old, BMW 520 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 BMW 520 Fuel Costs
The 2000cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 BMW 520?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,772 (£148/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 97% 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 2021 BMW 520
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. Note: with only 61 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2021 BMW 520
The BMW 520 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2020) 93% pass rate (-4%) from 52,321 tests
- HYUNDAI TUCSON (2019) 90% pass rate (-7%) from 42,920 tests
- MERCEDES A (2021) 94% pass rate (-3%) from 37,477 tests
- VOLVO XC40 (2020) 93% pass rate (-4%) from 36,064 tests