BMW 523 (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 341 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

84%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2996cc Diesel

Solid Option

84% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2996cc15 years old341 tests79k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2996cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,491

Per month£208/mo

Per week£48/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

84% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

84% of MOT tests on BMW 523s from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 341 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 79,140 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models216th of 595(top half)

Rank among BMW models1168th of 1,548(bottom 25%)

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

vs 2011 models average+7%(77% avg)

vs BMW average-4%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

79,140

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 BMW 523 had 79,140 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Range Rover

2013 · 2926cc Diesel

£2,491/year

88%

+4%

Audi A4

2011 · 2967cc Diesel

£2,491/year

82%

-2%

Jaguar XF

2013 · 2993cc Diesel

£2,491/year

82%

-2%

Audi A5

2013 · 2967cc Diesel

£2,491/year

85%

+1%

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About the 2011 BMW 523

The 2011 BMW 523 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2996cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 341 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 79,140 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 523 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2011 BMW 523 Fuel Costs

The 2996cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2011 BMW 523?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 523 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.

Buying a Used 2011 BMW 523

At 15 years old, the BMW 523 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2011 BMW 523 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW 523(2011)	84%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491
Land Rover Range Rover(2013)	88%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Audi A4(2011)	82%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Jaguar XF(2013)	82%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same
Audi A5(2013)	85%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,491same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2011 BMW 523

Is the 2011 BMW 523 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 84% of MOT tests on 2011 BMW 523s ended in a pass, from 341 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2011 BMW 523 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 BMW 523?

84% of 341 MOT tests on the 2011 BMW 523 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 216th of 595 models first registered in 2011 (top half).

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% and the 1996 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2011 BMW 523?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 BMW 523 is 79,140 miles, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.