BMW 535

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 22 model years from 18,351 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

86%

Total Tests

18,351

Highest Pass Rate

2016 (92%)

Years Covered

About the BMW 535

The BMW 535 was MOT tested 18,351 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 22 model years (1990 to 2017), with an average pass rate of 86%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 92% from 2,284 tests. The 1997 model has the lowest at 80%. The 12 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 535s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 146,067 miles, while the newest (2017) averages 66,991 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2979cc)

£1,958

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,563

Per month£214/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 535?

vs average of all models+4% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average-2% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread12 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW 535 by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2017	87%	174	66,991 mi
2016	92%	2,284	76,181 mi
2015	90%	2,747	83,432 mi
2014	91%	1,913	94,461 mi
2013	89%	769	100,182 mi
2012	91%	633	106,253 mi
2011	89%	1,151	113,247 mi
2010	84%	809	107,888 mi
2009	84%	540	145,779 mi
2008	86%	1,119	153,295 mi
2007	87%	1,748	157,339 mi
2006	85%	1,653	158,087 mi
2005	86%	1,498	158,153 mi
2004	83%	360	160,887 mi
2002	84%	75	121,848 mi
2001	86%	58	123,957 mi
2000	87%	113	121,846 mi
1999	82%	171	115,664 mi
1998	81%	302	122,677 mi
1997	80%	122	122,636 mi
1991	74%	39	153,767 mi
1990	84%	73	146,067 mi

Questions about the BMW 535

Is the BMW 535 reliable?

Across its 22 model years in our data (1990 to 2017), the BMW 535 averages an 86% MOT pass rate, from 18,351 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2016 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 92%.

Which year BMW 535 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 BMW 535 has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 80%, a 12 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.