CarCostCheck

BMW X5 (2011)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 9,720 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,491

£208/month

MOT Pass Rate

86%

Good

Road Tax

£410

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2993cc Diesel

Solid Option

86% pass rate, £2,491/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2993cc15 years old9,720 tests115k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2993cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£410
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,491
Per month£208/mo
Per week£48/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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 X5s from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 9,720 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 115,184 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 models163rd of 595(top half)
Rank among BMW models1049th of 1,548(bottom half)
vs average of all models+4%(82% avg)
vs 2011 models average+9%(77% avg)
vs BMW average-2%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

115,184

Average miles

vs

96,200

Expected for age

The average 2011 BMW X5 had 115,184 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2011 scores 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW X5 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202192%1,96835,223 mi
202093%8,59438,415 mi
201992%23,50647,135 mi
201891%17,68758,065 mi
201792%14,51167,347 mi
201692%14,82676,292 mi
201591%17,25786,297 mi
201492%13,88996,575 mi
201388%8,346102,589 mi
201286%9,533110,198 mi
201186%9,720115,184 mi
201086%8,668121,461 mi
200986%9,917129,547 mi
200884%8,054133,171 mi
200782%8,281137,811 mi
200676%7,388146,446 mi
200577%11,188147,753 mi
200477%6,276147,620 mi
200377%3,953143,116 mi
200274%2,242144,771 mi
200176%1,085143,091 mi
200080%46121,636 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2011 BMW X5

The 2011 BMW X5 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 2993cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 9,720 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 115,184 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW X5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2011 BMW X5 Fuel Costs

The 2993cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2011 BMW X5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,491 (£208/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £410 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.

BMW X5 Reliability Trend

Newer BMW X5s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2011 BMW X5

At 15 years old, the BMW X5 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. With 9,720 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

What the 2011 BMW X5 Fails Its MOT On

Share of the 827 MOT tests on the 2011 BMW X5 that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.

  • Suspension40%

    Same age: 40%

  • Tyres28%

    Same age: 19% (fails on this more often)

  • Lights and electrics26%

    Same age: 45% (fails on this less often)

  • Brakes15%

    Same age: 23% (fails on this less often)

DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · BMW X5 reliability, common problems and years to avoid

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

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 115k 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 2011 BMW X5 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
BMW X5(2011)86%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491
Land Rover Range Rover(2013)88%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491same
Audi A4(2011)82%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491same
Jaguar XF(2013)82%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491same
Audi A5(2013)85%£1,676£410Grp 30-42£2,491same

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 2011 BMW X5

Is the 2011 BMW X5 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 86% of MOT tests on 2011 BMW X5s ended in a pass, from 9,720 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 2011 BMW X5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,491 a year (£208 a month): £1,676 fuel, £410 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 2011 BMW X5?

86% of 9,720 MOT tests on the 2011 BMW X5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 163rd of 595 models first registered in 2011 (top half).

Which year BMW X5 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 BMW X5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2002 the lowest at 74%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2011 BMW X5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 BMW X5 is 115,184 miles, which is in line with the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Related BMW Models

Explore other BMW cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the BMW X5.

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