Bmw 523
Reliability, running costs, and MOT data across 15 years from 5,500 real MOT tests.
Avg Pass Rate
80%
Total Tests
5,500
Best Year
2013 (100%)
Years Covered
15
How reliable is the Bmw 523?
Bmw 523 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 93% | 42 | 55,120 mi |
| 2013 | 100% | 68 | 48,039 mi |
| 2012 | 92% | 51 | 54,895 mi |
| 2011 | 84% | 341 | 79,140 mi |
| 2010 | 81% | 480 | 87,591 mi |
| 2009 | 80% | 193 | 97,424 mi |
| 2008 | 77% | 244 | 112,799 mi |
| 2007 | 76% | 327 | 118,243 mi |
| 2006 | 79% | 494 | 122,075 mi |
| 2005 | 80% | 414 | 120,862 mi |
| 2000 | 78% | 496 | 136,987 mi |
| 1999 | 71% | 1,057 | 137,920 mi |
| 1998 | 68% | 885 | 130,239 mi |
| 1997 | 78% | 266 | 128,092 mi |
| 1996 | 68% | 142 | 123,219 mi |
Checking a specific Bmw 523?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the Bmw 523
The Bmw 523 has been tested 5,500 times in 2024 MOT data across 15 model years (1996 to 2016), with an average pass rate of 80%. That's close to the national average of 82%. Available as petrol and diesel and LP.
Best and Worst Years
The 2013 model is the most reliable with a 100% pass rate from 68 tests. The 1998 model has the lowest at 68%. With a 32 point spread, choosing the right year makes a big difference to reliability.
Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 523s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 10 percentage points.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1996) averages 123,219 miles, while the newest (2016) averages 55,120 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Compared to the Bmw brand average of 88%, the 523 is 8 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Bmw models.
Click any year in the table above to see detailed running costs, individual reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.