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BMW 525 (2007)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 3,218 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,045

£170/month

MOT Pass Rate

81%

Good

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 25-38

2494cc Diesel

Solid Option

81% pass rate, £2045/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Diesel2494cc19 years old3,218 tests153k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2494cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 2494cc

£395
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,045
Per month£170/mo
Per week£39/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

81% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

At 19 years old, 81% of BMW 525s from 2007 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 3,218 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 153,182 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2007 cars164th of 598(top 27%)
Rank among BMW models1309th of 1,564(top 84%)
vs national average-1%(82% avg)
vs 2007 cars average+8%(73% avg)
vs BMW average-7%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

153,182

Average miles

vs

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2007 BMW 525 has 153,182 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 1990 model has the lowest at 69%. The 2007 sits between the two at 81%.

BMW 525 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201776%3763,347 mi
201691%42692,921 mi
201589%88198,550 mi
201489%813108,795 mi
201384%448116,973 mi
201282%669119,797 mi
201187%1,652127,862 mi
201086%1,697129,103 mi
200985%2,283138,274 mi
200882%2,974147,855 mi
200781%3,218153,182 mi
200681%2,842152,320 mi
200580%3,057158,580 mi
200477%1,980146,538 mi
200376%1,425139,542 mi
200279%1,357140,217 mi
200176%894138,556 mi
200070%161134,867 mi
199870%33153,429 mi
199786%49127,831 mi
199678%206143,832 mi
199580%363147,789 mi
199478%280142,062 mi
199382%137142,304 mi
199276%100130,213 mi
199178%74120,250 mi
199069%70128,725 mi

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About the 2007 BMW 525

The 2007 BMW 525 is a premium with a 2494cc diesel engine. 3,218 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2007, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 153,182 miles at 19 years old, BMW 525 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2007 BMW 525 Fuel Costs

The 2494cc 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 2007 BMW 525?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,045 170/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 81% 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 2007 BMW 525

At 19 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%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2007 BMW 525's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 153k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

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 2007 BMW 525 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
BMW 525(2007)81%£1245£395Grp 25-38£2045
BMW 3 SERIES(2008)80%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£145
HONDA CIVIC(2007)72%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050+£5
FORD MONDEO(2009)74%£1037£135Grp 18-32£1727-£318
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2007)75%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050+£5

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

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