BMW 528

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 13 model years from 4,388 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

83%

Total Tests

4,388

Highest Pass Rate

2015 (91%)

Years Covered

About the BMW 528

The BMW 528 was MOT tested 4,388 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 13 model years (1996 to 2017), with an average pass rate of 83%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 91% from 507 tests. The 1996 model has the lowest at 72%. With a 19 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 528s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1996) averages 123,782 miles, while the newest (2017) averages 62,007 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the BMW brand average of 88%, the 528 is 5 points lower, placing it among the less reliable BMW models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1997cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,236

Per month£186/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2017 details

How reliable is the BMW 528?

vs average of all models+1% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average-5% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread19 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW 528 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2017	88%	43	62,007 mi
2016	89%	328	56,186 mi
2015	91%	507	73,771 mi
2014	90%	308	69,286 mi
2013	86%	185	76,159 mi
2012	88%	140	83,476 mi
2011	85%	308	85,057 mi
2010	89%	323	93,303 mi
2000	77%	410	133,412 mi
1999	72%	698	142,502 mi
1998	73%	597	127,300 mi
1997	77%	340	142,073 mi
1996	72%	201	123,782 mi

Questions about the BMW 528

Is the BMW 528 reliable?

Across its 13 model years in our data (1996 to 2017), the BMW 528 averages an 83% MOT pass rate, from 4,388 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2015 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 91%.

Which year BMW 528 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2015 BMW 528 has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 72%, a 19 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.