BMW 535 (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,151 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,808

£234/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£445

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2979cc Petrol

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £2,808/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Petrol2979cc15 years old1,151 tests113k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2979cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£445

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,808

Per month£234/mo

Per week£54/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

89% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

89% of MOT tests on BMW 535s from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 1,151 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 113,247 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models114th of 595(top 20%)

Rank among BMW models808th of 1,548(bottom half)

vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)

vs 2011 models average+12%(77% avg)

vs BMW average+1%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

113,247

Average miles

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 BMW 535 had 113,247 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2016 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 80%. The 2011 scores 89%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Vauxhall Insignia

2011 · 2792cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

-12%

BMW 1 Series

2013 · 2979cc Petrol

£2,808/year

84%

-5%

Audi TT

2011 · 2480cc Petrol

£2,808/year

85%

-4%

BMW X1

2011 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,808/year

81%

-8%

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About the 2011 BMW 535

The 2011 BMW 535 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2979cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,151 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It ranks in the top 20% of all 2011 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 113,247 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 535 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2011 BMW 535 Fuel Costs

The 2979cc 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 £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2011 BMW 535?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,808 (£234/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £445 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 535 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.

Buying a Used 2011 BMW 535

At 15 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

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

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

Watch out

With an average of 113k 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 535 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW 535(2011)	89%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808
Vauxhall Insignia(2011)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£150
BMW 1 Series(2013)	84%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808same
Audi TT(2011)	85%	£1,958	£445	Grp 25-38	£2,808same
BMW X1(2011)	81%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,808same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2011 BMW 535

Is the 2011 BMW 535 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2011 BMW 535s ended in a pass, from 1,151 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2011 BMW 535 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,808 a year (£234 a month): £1,958 fuel, £445 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 BMW 535?

89% of 1,151 MOT tests on the 2011 BMW 535 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 114th of 595 models first registered in 2011 (top 20%).

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% and the 1997 the lowest at 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2011 BMW 535?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 BMW 535 is 113,247 miles, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.