BMW 523 (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 42 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,927

£161/month

MOT Pass Rate

93%

Excellent

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1999cc Diesel

Great Choice

93% pass rate, £1,927/year to run. 11 points above average.

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Diesel1999cc10 years old42 tests55k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1999cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£1,927

Per month£161/mo

Per week£37/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

93% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.

93% of MOT tests on BMW 523s from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 42 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 55,120 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models116th of 539(top 22%)

Rank among BMW models418th of 1,548(top half)

vs average of all models+11%(82% avg)

vs 2016 models average+8%(85% avg)

vs BMW average+5%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

55,120

Average miles

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 BMW 523 had 55,120 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 84%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2016 scores 93%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Volkswagen Golf

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

-2%

Vauxhall Astra

2014 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,944/year

79%

-14%

Ford Focus

2018 · 1499cc Diesel

£1,824/year

89%

-4%

Audi A3

2015 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

88%

-5%

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About the 2016 BMW 523

The 2016 BMW 523 is a premium car. Our records list a 1999cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 42 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 22% of all 2016 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 55,120 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 523 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2016 BMW 523 Fuel Costs

The 1999cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 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 2016 BMW 523?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

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 2016 BMW 523

At 10 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2011 model has the highest pass rate at 84%. Note: with only 42 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

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.

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 2016 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(2016)	93%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£1,927
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£253
Vauxhall Astra(2014)	79%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,944+£17
Ford Focus(2018)	89%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,824-£103
Audi A3(2015)	88%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£133

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 2016 BMW 523

Is the 2016 BMW 523 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 93% of MOT tests on 2016 BMW 523s ended in a pass, from 42 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 BMW 523 cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,927 a year (£161 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 BMW 523?

93% of 42 MOT tests on the 2016 BMW 523 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 116th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (top 22%).

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 2016 BMW 523?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 BMW 523 is 55,120 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.