BMW 850 (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 173 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4988cc Petrol

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol4988cc35 years old173 tests106k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4988cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

86% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

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

86% of MOT tests on BMW 850s from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 173 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 105,721 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models52nd of 172(top half)

Rank among BMW models1084th of 1,548(bottom half)

vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average+7%(79% avg)

vs BMW average-2%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

105,721

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 BMW 850 had 105,721 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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BMW 850 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2019	86%	42	29,761 mi
1995	79%	47	87,029 mi
1994	86%	91	86,954 mi
1993	96%	70	86,998 mi
1992	88%	83	110,100 mi
1991	86%	173	105,721 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Jaguar XJS

1990 · 5343cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

-4%

Mercedes 500

1991 · 4973cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

+1%

Mercedes SL

1991 · 4973cc Petrol

£2,738/year

86%

same

Jaguar XJ

1990 · 5345cc Petrol

£2,738/year

86%

same

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About the 1991 BMW 850

The 1991 BMW 850 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4988cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 173 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1991, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 105,721 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW 850 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1991 BMW 850 Fuel Costs

The 4988cc 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 1991 BMW 850?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 1991 BMW 850

At 35 years old, the BMW 850 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 35 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 106k 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 1991 BMW 850 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 850(1991)	86%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
Jaguar XJS(1990)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Mercedes 500(1991)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Mercedes SL(1991)	86%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Jaguar XJ(1990)	86%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same

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 1991 BMW 850

Is the 1991 BMW 850 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 1991 BMW 850s ended in a pass, from 173 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 BMW 850 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 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 1991 BMW 850?

86% of 173 MOT tests on the 1991 BMW 850 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 52nd of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top half).

What is the average mileage for a 1991 BMW 850?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 BMW 850 is 105,721 miles, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.