CarCostCheck

BMW 520I SE MHEV AUTO (2021)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 83 real MOT tests in 2024.

MOT Pass Rate

95%

Total Tests (2024)

83

Avg Mileage

23,001 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£1,772

Is the 2021 BMW 520I SE MHEV AUTO reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.

At 3 years old, 95% of BMW 520I SE MHEV AUTOs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 83 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 23,001 miles.

How does the 2021 BMW 520I SE MHEV AUTO compare?

Rank among all 2021 cars1008th out of 3,373(top 30%)
Rank among all BMW models217th out of 1,564(top 14%)
vs national average+13% (82% avg)
vs 2021 cars average+3% (92% avg)
vs BMW average+7% (88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2021 BMW 520I SE MHEV AUTO has 23,001 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 520I SE MHEV AUTO cost to run?

Fuel (Hybrid, 1998cc)
£1,327
🏛️Road Tax
£190
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs
£200
Total per year£1,772
Per month£148/mo

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

Checking a specific BMW 520I SE MHEV AUTO?

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About the 2021 BMW 520I SE MHEV AUTO

The 2021 BMW 520I SE MHEV AUTO is a premium with a 1998cc hybrid engine. 83 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 23,001 miles at 3 years old, BMW 520I SE MHEV AUTO owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2021 BMW 520I SE MHEV AUTO Fuel Costs

The 1998cc hybrid 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 hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.

What does it cost to own a 2021 BMW 520I SE MHEV AUTO?

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 95% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

Buying a Used 2021 BMW 520I SE MHEV AUTO

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 83 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Alternatives to the 2021 BMW 520I SE MHEV AUTO

The BMW 520I SE MHEV AUTO is actually the most reliable option among similar hybrid premiums from this era. Here are comparable hybrid cars with similar engines: