BMW 525 (2013)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 448 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,707
£142/month
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Good
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1995cc Diesel
Solid Option
84% pass rate, £1707/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1995cc
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
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 13 years old, 84% of BMW 525s from 2013 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 448 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 116,973 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
116,973
Average miles
96,200
Expected for age
The average 2013 BMW 525 has 116,973 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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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 2013 sits between the two at 84%.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2013 BMW 525
The 2013 BMW 525 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 448 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2013, the average MOT pass rate is 80%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 116,973 miles at 13 years old, BMW 525 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2013 BMW 525 Fuel Costs
The 1995cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 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 2013 BMW 525?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,707 (£142/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 84% 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 2013 BMW 525
At 13 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 2013 BMW 525's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 117k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2013 BMW 525 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 525(2013) | 84% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £1707 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2015) | 89% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1577-£130 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2013) | 79% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727+£20 |
| AUDI A3(2015) | 88% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1445-£262 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2013) | 85% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1577-£130 |
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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