1998 BMW 523: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1998 BMW 523s, from 223 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 223 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1998 BMW 523s than on all cars registered in 1998.
- Anti-roll bar link joints7.5× usualBMW 52313.5% All 1998 cars1.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.4% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
By area
The share of 1998 BMW 523 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension42% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes38% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics30% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres25% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks20% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Rust and bodywork14% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 199 | Tyres 20% |
| 2010 | 227 | Suspension 22% |
| 2008 | 115 | Suspension 30% |
| 2007 | 146 | Suspension 35% |
| 2006 | 201 | Brakes 39% |
| 2005 | 178 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2000 | 222 | Suspension 45% |
| 1999 | 244 | Suspension 45% |
| 1997 | 102 | Brakes 41% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1998 BMW 523s registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score