2005 BMW 520d: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 BMW 520d?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 BMW 520d than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usual
  BMW 520d

  21.1% All 2005 cars

  10.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.4% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Flexible brake hoses2.3× usual
  BMW 520d

  12.8% All 2005 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1.2% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Track rod ends2.1× usual
  BMW 520d

  12.5% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

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

• Airbag warning light2.9× usual
  BMW 520d

  5% All 2005 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.5% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2005 BMW 520d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 BMW 520d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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.

• Brakes
  48% 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 electrics
  37% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  36% 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 leaks
  11% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 BMW 520d

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2005 BMW 520d as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2005 BMW 520d as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2005 BMW 520d as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?