BMW 525

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 27 model years from 28,126 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

80%

Total Tests

28,126

Highest Pass Rate

2016 (91%)

Years Covered

About the BMW 525

The BMW 525 was MOT tested 28,126 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 27 model years (1990 to 2017), with an average pass rate of 80%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 91% from 426 tests. The 2000 model has the lowest at 70%. With a 21 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 525s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 128,725 miles, while the newest (2017) averages 63,347 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the BMW brand average of 88%, the 525 is 8 points lower, placing it among the less reliable BMW models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1995cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,152

Per month£179/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 2017 details

How reliable is the BMW 525?

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

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

Best to worst year spread21 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW 525 by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2017	76%	37	63,347 mi
2016	91%	426	92,921 mi
2015	89%	881	98,550 mi
2014	89%	813	108,795 mi
2013	84%	448	116,973 mi
2012	82%	669	119,797 mi
2011	87%	1,652	127,862 mi
2010	86%	1,697	129,103 mi
2009	85%	2,283	138,274 mi
2008	82%	2,974	147,855 mi
2007	81%	3,218	153,182 mi
2006	81%	2,842	152,320 mi
2005	80%	3,057	158,580 mi
2004	77%	1,980	146,538 mi
2003	76%	1,425	139,542 mi
2002	79%	1,357	140,217 mi
2001	76%	894	138,556 mi
2000	70%	161	134,867 mi
1998	70%	33	153,429 mi
1997	86%	49	127,831 mi
1996	78%	206	143,832 mi
1995	80%	363	147,789 mi
1994	78%	280	142,062 mi
1993	82%	137	142,304 mi
1992	76%	100	130,213 mi
1991	78%	74	120,250 mi
1990	69%	70	128,725 mi

Questions about the BMW 525

Is the BMW 525 reliable?

Across its 27 model years in our data (1990 to 2017), the BMW 525 averages an 80% MOT pass rate, from 28,126 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 2016 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 91%.

Which year BMW 525 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 BMW 525 has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 70%, a 21 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.