2011 BMW 5 Series 3.0L Diesel · 13 OC
2011 BMW 5 Series (3.0L, diesel). First registered 01/07/2011. Recorded mileage 27,125 miles. MOT valid until 25/01/2027. Taxed until 01/04/2027.
- Make & Model
- BMW 5 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2011
- MOT Status
- Valid until 25/01/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/04/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 27,125 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2011
- Engine
- 2993cc
13 OC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/01/2026
- 27,125 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
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13 OC Mileage History
- 13/01/202322,762 mi
- 26/01/202424,177 mi+1,415 mi
- 26/01/202424,195 mi+18 mi
- 21/01/202525,083 mi+888 mi
- 17/01/202627,125 mi+2,042 mi
Average of roughly 1,449 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
13 OC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2011 BMW 5 Series (13 OC) between January 2023 and January 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 17 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (3 issues), Windscreen (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This low-mileage 2011 BMW 5 Series 3.0 d
Given the extremely low mileage for a diesel vehicle, this car may have suffered from short journeys and infrequent use, which can cause DPF (diesel particulate filter) issues, oil seal degradation, and turbocharger problems. Demand evidence of regular long runs to keep the DPF clear, and check for any warning lights or stored fault codes using a diagnostic tool. The single MOT failure was tyre-related (a sidewall bulge on the nearside front), which is common on low-mileage cars that sit unused — tyres degrade with age regardless of tread depth, so budget for a fresh set immediately. Ask the seller to demonstrate cold-start behaviour, as diesel engines used only for short trips often struggle. Negotiate based on the likely need for new tyres, a cambelt service if not recently done, and potential DPF attention.
The 3.0-litre diesel 5 Series typically returns around 45-50 mpg on a run but can drop significantly in town if the DPF is partially blocked. Road tax sits in a higher band given the engine size and CO2 output — expect around £200-£250 annually. Insurance is likely group 35-40, so budget £600-£900 per year for comprehensive cover. Estimated annual running cost: £1,400-£1,800.
Inspect the tyres carefully for age-related cracking, as the 2023 MOT noted both rear tyres worn to 2-3mm and the 2024 test recorded a sidewall bulge — age-hardened rubber is a likely culprit. Check the windscreen thoroughly for crack propagation, as it has been flagged on three occasions (2017-style damage pattern, 2024 advisory, and 2026 advisory). Most importantly, have the diesel system professionally inspected: check the DPF for soot loading, test the turbo for play or whistle, examine injector seals for leaks, and verify the timing chain (common BMW issue) for stretch. Inspect for oil leaks around the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing, both known weak points on this engine.
This white BMW 5 Series 3.0 diesel from July 2011 has covered just 27,125 miles across nearly 15 years, averaging around 1,800 miles per year — well below the model average of 9,870. MOT history shows one failure (tyre bulge) out of six tests, with two advisory notes for windscreen damage that did not progress. The vehicle has been used very sparingly, which carries both advantages and concerns for a diesel powertrain.
The BMW 5 Series shows an 87.8% MOT pass rate across over 80,000 vehicles analysed, placing it in the average range for executive saloons, with tyres being the most common failure reason.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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