1998 BMW 528i: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 BMW 528i?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 BMW 528i than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Washers2.4× usual
  BMW 528i

  7.8% All 1998 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 3.2% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Airbag warning light5.3× usual
  BMW 528i

  5.3% All 1998 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 0.8% of all 1998 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.9× usual
  BMW 528i

  5.3% All 1998 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.5% of all 1998 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 joint dust cover2× usual
  BMW 528i

  6.9% All 1998 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 1.1% of all 1998 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 1998 BMW 528i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 BMW 528i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  45% 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
  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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% 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
  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
  16% 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 1998 BMW 528i

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

1. Any recent work on the washers? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1998 BMW 528i as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the 1998 BMW 528i as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 1998 BMW 528i as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?