BMW X5 (2011)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 9,720 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,045
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Good
Road Tax
£395
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2993cc Diesel
Solid Option
86% pass rate, £2045/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Based on 2993cc
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 15 years old, 86% of BMW X5s from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 9,720 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 115,184 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
115,184
Average miles
111,000
Expected for age
The average 2011 BMW X5 has 115,184 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2011 sits between the two at 86%.
BMW X5 by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 92% | 1,968 | 35,223 mi | |
| 2020 | 93% | 8,594 | 38,415 mi | |
| 2019 | 92% | 23,506 | 47,135 mi | |
| 2018 | 91% | 17,687 | 58,065 mi | |
| 2017 | 92% | 14,511 | 67,347 mi | |
| 2016 | 92% | 14,826 | 76,292 mi | |
| 2015 | 91% | 17,257 | 86,297 mi | |
| 2014 | 92% | 13,889 | 96,575 mi | |
| 2013 | 88% | 8,346 | 102,589 mi | |
| 2012 | 86% | 9,533 | 110,198 mi | |
| 2011 | 86% | 9,720 | 115,184 mi | |
| 2010 | 86% | 8,668 | 121,461 mi | |
| 2009 | 86% | 9,917 | 129,547 mi | |
| 2008 | 84% | 8,054 | 133,171 mi | |
| 2007 | 82% | 8,281 | 137,811 mi | |
| 2006 | 76% | 7,388 | 146,446 mi | |
| 2005 | 77% | 11,188 | 147,753 mi | |
| 2004 | 77% | 6,276 | 147,620 mi | |
| 2003 | 77% | 3,953 | 143,116 mi | |
| 2002 | 74% | 2,242 | 144,771 mi | |
| 2001 | 76% | 1,085 | 143,091 mi | |
| 2000 | 80% | 46 | 121,636 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2011 BMW X5
The 2011 BMW X5 is a premium performance with a 2993cc diesel engine. 9,720 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 115,184 miles at 15 years old, 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 £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (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 £2,045 (£170/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2011 BMW X5's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X5(2011) | 86% | £1245 | £395 | Grp 30-42 | £2045 |
| LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER(2013) | 88% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| AUDI A4(2011) | 82% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| JAGUAR XF(2013) | 82% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
| AUDI A5(2013) | 85% | £1245 | £250 | Grp 30-42 | £1900-£145 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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