BMW 525 (2015)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 881 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Total Tests (2024)
881
Avg Mileage
98,550 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,577
Is the 2015 BMW 525 reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%.
At 9 years old, 89% of BMW 525s from 2015 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 881 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 98,550 miles.
How does the 2015 BMW 525 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2015 BMW 525 has 98,550 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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 2015 sits between the two at 89%.
How much does a 2015 BMW 525 cost to run?
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 2015 BMW 525
The 2015 BMW 525 is a premium with a 1995cc diesel engine. 881 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2015, the average MOT pass rate is 83%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 98,550 miles at 9 years old, BMW 525 owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2015 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 2015 BMW 525?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,577 (£131/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% 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 2015 BMW 525
At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.
Alternatives to the 2015 BMW 525
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2017) 91% pass rate (+2%) from 127,682 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2013) 79% pass rate (-10%) from 101,969 tests
- AUDI A3 (2015) 88% pass rate (-1%) from 80,797 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (2017) 81% pass rate (-8%) from 80,031 tests