BMW 545 (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 73 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
79%
Total Tests (2024)
73
Avg Mileage
118,392 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,397
Is the 2003 BMW 545 reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the national average of 82%. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 21 years old, 79% of BMW 545s from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 73 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 118,392 miles.
How does the 2003 BMW 545 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 BMW 545 has 118,392 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a BMW 545?
The most reliable year is the 2005 model with a 84% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 76%. The 2003 sits between the two at 79%.
How much does a 2003 BMW 545 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 545 by Year
Checking a specific BMW 545?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 BMW 545
The 2003 BMW 545 is a premium performance with a 4398cc petrol engine. 73 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 25% of all 2003 cars for reliability.
With an average of 118,392 miles at 21 years old, BMW 545 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 BMW 545 Fuel Costs
The 4398cc 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 2003 BMW 545?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 79% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
BMW 545 Reliability Trend
The BMW 545 has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 BMW 545
At 21 years old, the BMW 545 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 2005 model has the highest pass rate at 84%. Note: with only 73 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2003 BMW 545
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW X5 (2005) 77% pass rate (-2%) from 11,188 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT (2005) 82% pass rate (+3%) from 8,058 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER (2003) 77% pass rate (-2%) from 4,923 tests
- ROVER 75 (2004) 69% pass rate (-10%) from 4,012 tests