Used car guide

2002 BMW 525: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2002 BMW 525s, from 586 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

586MOT tests in 2025
66%pass first time (all 2002 cars: 60%)
6,000typical miles a year
3.1×the usual rate for anti-roll bar link joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2002 BMW 525s than on all cars registered in 2002.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints3.1× usual
    BMW 525
    9.2% All 2002 cars
    3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Steering rack4.1× usual
    BMW 525
    7.7% All 2002 cars
    1.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 1.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Better than most

Coil springs: 4.9% here, against 10.4% of all 2002 cars. Exhaust system: 4.8% here, against 9.8% of all 2002 cars.

By area

The share of 2002 BMW 525 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    40% 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.

  • Suspension
    39% 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.

  • Tyres
    28% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    26% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    24% 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 bodywork
    13% 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.

Looking at a BMW 525?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2011706Tyres 31%
2010779Tyres 30%
20091,014Suspension 36%
20081,272Suspension 40%
20071,358Suspension 43%
20061,052Suspension 44%
20051,073Suspension 50%
2004770Suspension 47%
2003561Suspension 46%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2002 BMW 525s registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score