BMW 550 (2005)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 46 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Total Tests (2024)
46
Avg Mileage
127,277 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2005 BMW 550 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 19 years old, 93% of BMW 550s from 2005 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 46 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 127,277 miles.
How does the 2005 BMW 550 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2005 BMW 550 has 127,277 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a BMW 550?
The most reliable year is the 2010 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 86%. The 2005 sits between the two at 93%.
How much does a 2005 BMW 550 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 550 by Year
Checking a specific BMW 550?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2005 BMW 550
The 2005 BMW 550 is a premium performance with a 4799cc petrol engine. 46 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 5% of all 2005 cars for reliability.
With an average of 127,277 miles at 19 years old, BMW 550 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2005 BMW 550 Fuel Costs
The 4799cc 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 2005 BMW 550?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
BMW 550 Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 550s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 7 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2005 BMW 550
At 19 years old, the BMW 550 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 2010 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. Note: with only 46 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2005 BMW 550
The BMW 550 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premium performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW X5 (2005) 77% pass rate (-16%) from 11,188 tests
- MERCEDES CLK (2004) 76% pass rate (-17%) from 8,352 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT (2005) 82% pass rate (-11%) from 8,058 tests
- MERCEDES SL (2003) 86% pass rate (-7%) from 5,173 tests