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BMW 528 (2011)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 308 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,427

£202/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2995cc Petrol

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2427/year to run. Close to the national average.

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Petrol2995cc15 years old308 tests85k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2995cc)

~30 mpg

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 2995cc

£430
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,427
Per month£202/mo
Per week£47/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

85% 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%.

At 15 years old, 85% of BMW 528s from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 308 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 85,057 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 cars203th of 615(top 33%)
Rank among BMW models1137th of 1,564(top 73%)
vs national average+3%(82% avg)
vs 2011 cars average+8%(77% avg)
vs BMW average-3%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

85,057

Average miles

vs

111,000

Expected for age

The average 2011 BMW 528 has 85,057 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2015 model with a 91% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2011 sits between the two at 85%.

BMW 528 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201788%4362,007 mi
201689%32856,186 mi
201591%50773,771 mi
201490%30869,286 mi
201386%18576,159 mi
201288%14083,476 mi
201185%30885,057 mi
201089%32393,303 mi
200077%410133,412 mi
199972%698142,502 mi
199873%597127,300 mi
199777%340142,073 mi
199672%201123,782 mi

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About the 2011 BMW 528

The 2011 BMW 528 is a premium performance with a 2995cc petrol engine. 308 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 85,057 miles at 15 years old, BMW 528 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2011 BMW 528 Fuel Costs

The 2995cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2011 BMW 528?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,427 202/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

BMW 528 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 528s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2011 BMW 528

At 15 years old, the BMW 528 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 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 91%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2011 BMW 528's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 15 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

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

Medium risk

With an average of 85k 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.

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 2011 BMW 528 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
BMW 528(2011)85%£1592£430Grp 30-42£2427
VAUXHALL INSIGNIA(2011)77%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£30
BMW 1 SERIES(2013)84%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2247-£180
MERCEDES E(2010)80%£1592£250Grp 35-50£2247-£180
BMW X1(2011)81%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2247-£180

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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Related Guides

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