BMW 525 (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 33 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
70%
Total Tests (2024)
33
Avg Mileage
153,429 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 1998 BMW 525 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 26 years old, 70% of BMW 525s from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 33 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 153,429 miles.
How does the 1998 BMW 525 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 BMW 525 has 153,429 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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%. The 1998 sits between the two at 70%.
How much does a 1998 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 1998 BMW 525
The 1998 BMW 525 is a premium with a 2498cc diesel engine. 33 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 80% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 153,429 miles at 26 years old, BMW 525 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 BMW 525 Fuel Costs
The 2498cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 1998 BMW 525?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 1998 BMW 525
At 26 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. Note: with only 33 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1998 BMW 525
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1999) 70% pass rate (same) from 12,854 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+6%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1999) 75% pass rate (+5%) from 5,978 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (+2%) from 3,080 tests