2003 BMW 525: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 BMW 525?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 BMW 525 than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Corroded fuel pipes7.3× usual
  BMW 525

  5.1% All 2003 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Steering rack3.6× usual
  BMW 525

  5.7% All 2003 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.9% of all 2003 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.2× usual
  BMW 525

  7.4% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.2% of all 2003 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.

• Link ball joint covers2× usual
  BMW 525

  4.6% All 2003 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.3% of all 2003 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.

• Side repeaters2.2× usual
  BMW 525

  3.8% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

Common 2003 BMW 525 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 BMW 525 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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
  37% 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
  31% 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
  30% 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
  23% 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
  12% 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 2003 BMW 525

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

1. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 7.3× as often on the 2003 BMW 525 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2003 BMW 525 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2003 BMW 525 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?