2001 BMW 525d: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 BMW 525d?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 BMW 525d than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Anti-roll bar link joints4.8× usual
  BMW 525d

  12.9% All 2001 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 0.9% of all 2001 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.

• Ball joint2.6× usual
  BMW 525d

  15.3% All 2001 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 2.4% of all 2001 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.

Common 2001 BMW 525d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 BMW 525d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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
  42% 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.

• Tyres
  33% 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
  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.

• Rust and bodywork
  18% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 BMW 525d

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

1. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2001 BMW 525d as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2001 BMW 525d as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?