BMW 523

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 15 model years from 5,500 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

80%

Total Tests

5,500

Highest Pass Rate

2011 (84%)

Years Covered

About the BMW 523

The BMW 523 was MOT tested 5,500 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 15 model years (1996 to 2016), with an average pass rate of 80%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and diesel and lpg versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 model has the highest pass rate at 84% from 341 tests. The 1996 model has the lowest at 68%. With a 16 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 523s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1999cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,927

Per month£161/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2016 details

How reliable is the BMW 523?

vs average of all models-2% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average-8% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread16 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW 523 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

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

Questions about the BMW 523

Is the BMW 523 reliable?

Across its 15 model years in our data (1996 to 2016), the BMW 523 averages an 80% MOT pass rate, from 5,500 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2011 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 84%.

Which year BMW 523 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 BMW 523 has the highest MOT pass rate at 84%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 68%, a 16 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.