BMW X5 (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,968 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,695
£141/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2993cc Diesel
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £1695/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 5 years old, 92% of BMW X5s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,968 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 35,223 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
35,223
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 BMW X5 has 35,223 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-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 2021 sits between the two at 92%.
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 2021 BMW X5
The 2021 BMW X5 is a premium performance with a 2993cc diesel engine. 1,968 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 35,223 miles at 5 years old, BMW X5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 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 2021 BMW X5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,695 (£141/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2021 BMW X5
At 5 years old, the BMW X5 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 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
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Low riskExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Medium riskLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
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 2021 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(2021) | 92% | £1245 | £195 | Grp 30-42 | £1695 |
| MERCEDES E(2019) | 90% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £1690-£5 |
| FORD RANGER(2019) | 87% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £1840+£145 |
| AUDI Q5(2019) | 93% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £1690-£5 |
| AUDI A5(2019) | 90% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £1690-£5 |
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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