BMW 535 (2009)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 540 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,045
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
84%
Good
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2993cc Diesel
Solid Option
84% pass rate, £2045/year to run. Close to the national average.
Check a specific BMW 535
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2993cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Get an insurance quote for this BMW 535
Compare quotes and find the best deal
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 17 years old, 84% of BMW 535s from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 540 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 145,779 miles.
Got a BMW 535 you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
145,779
Average miles
125,800
Expected for age
The average 2009 BMW 535 has 145,779 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Looking at a specific BMW 535?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 80%. The 2009 sits between the two at 84%.
BMW 535 by Year
| 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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Bmw 535
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2009 BMW 535
The 2009 BMW 535 is a premium performance with a 2993cc diesel engine. 540 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 24% of all 2009 cars for reliability.
With an average of 145,779 miles at 17 years old, BMW 535 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2009 BMW 535 Fuel Costs
The 2993cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 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 2009 BMW 535?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,045 (£170/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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 535 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 535s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2009 BMW 535
At 17 years old, the BMW 535 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 92%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2009 BMW 535'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.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 146k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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 2009 BMW 535 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 535(2009) | 84% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 30-42 | £2045 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2008) | 80% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| AUDI A4(2011) | 82% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| AUDI A5(2010) | 82% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| JAGUAR XF(2010) | 80% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
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.
Related Bmw Models
Explore other Bmw cars or similar models in the same category.
BMW 3 SERIES
2013 · 1995cc Diesel
BMW 5 SERIES
2018 · 2998cc Petrol
BMW 116
2014 · 1995cc Diesel
BMW 3 SERIES
2008 · 2926cc Diesel
AUDI A4
2011 · 2967cc Diesel
AUDI A5
2010 · 2967cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Bmw 535.
Petrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
MaintenanceHow to Prepare for Your MOT: 20 Checks That Could Save You Money
8 min read
Buying GuideCars That Hold Their Value UK 2026 (Up to 71% After 3 Years)
10 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific BMW 535
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a BMW 535? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data