BMW 540 (2017)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 60 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Total Tests (2024)
60
Avg Mileage
50,647 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,187
Is the 2017 BMW 540 reliable?
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 7 years old, 80% of BMW 540s from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 60 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 50,647 miles.
How does the 2017 BMW 540 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2017 BMW 540 has 50,647 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 51,800 miles for a 7-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a BMW 540?
The most reliable year is the 1996 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 73%. The 2017 sits between the two at 80%.
How much does a 2017 BMW 540 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW 540 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 80% | 60 | 50,647 mi |
| 2007 | 79% | 38 | 106,101 mi |
| 2006 | 70% | 33 | 112,213 mi |
| 2003 | 76% | 75 | 135,769 mi |
| 2002 | 82% | 169 | 129,728 mi |
| 2001 | 83% | 168 | 145,511 mi |
| 2000 | 88% | 180 | 124,005 mi |
| 1999 | 73% | 168 | 128,500 mi |
| 1998 | 84% | 300 | 124,038 mi |
| 1997 | 84% | 185 | 121,347 mi |
| 1996 | 89% | 124 | 132,232 mi |
| 1995 | 87% | 60 | 138,269 mi |
| 1994 | 59% | 44 | 144,918 mi |
| 1993 | 90% | 41 | 155,686 mi |
Checking a specific BMW 540?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2017 BMW 540
The 2017 BMW 540 is a premium performance with a 2998cc petrol engine. 60 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 91% of 2017 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 50,647 miles at 7 years old, BMW 540 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2017 BMW 540 Fuel Costs
The 2998cc 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 2017 BMW 540?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,187 (£182/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 540 Reliability Trend
The BMW 540 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2017 BMW 540
At 7 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 89%. Note: with only 60 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2017 BMW 540
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW 5 SERIES (2018) 91% pass rate (+11%) from 40,272 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT (2018) 93% pass rate (+13%) from 34,257 tests
- BMW X3 (2019) 92% pass rate (+12%) from 32,937 tests
- MERCEDES GLC (2019) 93% pass rate (+13%) from 30,341 tests