2005 BMW 523i: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 BMW 523i?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 BMW 523i than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Airbag warning light3.6× usual
  BMW 523i

  6.1% All 2005 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, 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 523i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 BMW 523i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  34% 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
  33% 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
  33% 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
  29% 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
  19% 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
  8% 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 523i

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

1. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2005 BMW 523i as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?