BMW 545 (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 330 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,303

£275/month

MOT Pass Rate

76%

Average

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4398cc Petrol

Check Carefully

76% pass rate, £3,303/year to run. 6 points below average.

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Petrol4398cc22 years old330 tests125k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4398cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£3,303

Per month£275/mo

Per week£64/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

76% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

76% of MOT tests on BMW 545s from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 330 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 125,496 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models182nd of 470(top half)

Rank among BMW models1462nd of 1,548(bottom 6%)

vs average of all models-6%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average+4%(72% avg)

vs BMW average-12%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

125,496

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 BMW 545 had 125,496 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2005 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 84%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 76%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW 545 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2005	84%	112	123,037 mi
2004	76%	330	125,496 mi
2003	79%	73	118,392 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW X5

2005 · 4799cc Petrol

£3,303/year

77%

+1%

Land Rover Range Rover

2006 · 4197cc Petrol

£3,153/year

80%

+4%

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

2005 · 4394cc Petrol

£3,153/year

82%

+6%

Volvo XC90

2006 · 4414cc Petrol

£3,303/year

73%

-3%

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About the 2004 BMW 545

The 2004 BMW 545 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4398cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 330 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 125,496 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 545 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 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 £1,958 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 2004 BMW 545?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,303 (£275/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2004 BMW 545

At 22 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.

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 22 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 125k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn 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 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 2004 BMW 545 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 545(2004)	76%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303
BMW X5(2005)	77%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303same
Land Rover Range Rover(2006)	80%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153-£150
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2005)	82%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153-£150
Volvo XC90(2006)	73%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303same

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 2004 BMW 545

Is the 2004 BMW 545 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 76% of MOT tests on 2004 BMW 545s ended in a pass, from 330 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 BMW 545 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,303 a year (£275 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 BMW 545?

76% of 330 MOT tests on the 2004 BMW 545 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 182nd of 470 models first registered in 2004 (top half).

Which year BMW 545 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2005 BMW 545 has the highest MOT pass rate at 84% and the 2004 the lowest at 76%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 BMW 545?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 BMW 545 is 125,496 miles, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.