BMW 525 (1990)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 70 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
70
Avg Mileage
128,725 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,597
Is the 1990 BMW 525 reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 34 years old, 69% of BMW 525s from 1990 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 70 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 128,725 miles.
How does the 1990 BMW 525 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1990 BMW 525 has 128,725 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a BMW 525?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 1990 model has the lowest at 69%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
How much does a 1990 BMW 525 cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW 525 by Year
| 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 |
Checking a specific BMW 525?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1990 BMW 525
The 1990 BMW 525 is a premium with a 2494cc petrol engine. 70 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 89% of 1990 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 128,725 miles at 34 years old, BMW 525 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1990 BMW 525 Fuel Costs
The 2494cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1990 BMW 525?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,597 (£216/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
BMW 525 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 525s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 8 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1990 BMW 525
At 34 years old, the BMW 525 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. Note: with only 70 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1990 BMW 525
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MERCEDES 190 E (1992) 79% pass rate (+10%) from 1,492 tests
- MERCEDES 300 (1990) 84% pass rate (+15%) from 947 tests
- PORSCHE 944 (1990) 85% pass rate (+16%) from 914 tests
- TOYOTA MR2 (1992) 70% pass rate (+1%) from 840 tests