What year BMW 525 I SE is most reliable?

Based on MOT first-test pass rates, the 1989 BMW 525 I SE has the highest pass rate at 80.0%, out of 1,197 vehicles tested.

What are the most common BMW 525 I SE MOT failures?

The most common BMW 525 I SE MOT failures vary by year. Check the individual year pages for detailed defect breakdowns — links in the table above.

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BMW 525 I SE — Reliability by Year

3,533 vehicles · MOT data 1988–1994 · first-test pass rates

This page shows MOT first-test pass rates for each year the BMW 525 I SE was manufactured — click any year to explore that cohort in detail. Trying to decide which year to buy? See the full buying guide →

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Best pass rate year

1989

80.0% pass rate · 1,197 vehicles

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Lowest pass rate year

1994

66.7% pass rate · 112 vehicles

Year	Pass rate	Avg mileage	Vehicles
1994	66.7%	244,399 mi	112
1993	—	—	139
1992	—	—	182
1991	—	—	393
1990	—	—	872
1989	80.0%	94,806 mi	1,197
1988	—	—	638

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