2006 BMW 520d: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 BMW 520d?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 BMW 520d than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Track rod ends2.4× usual
  BMW 520d

  13.2% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.4% of all 2006 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usual
  BMW 520d

  17.5% All 2006 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 2.4% of all 2006 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× usual
  BMW 520d

  10.6% All 2006 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1% of all 2006 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.

• Ball joint1.7× usual
  BMW 520d

  11.1% All 2006 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 3.1% of all 2006 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.

• Airbag warning light2.3× usual
  BMW 520d

  3.2% All 2006 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.3% of all 2006 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 2006 BMW 520d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 BMW 520d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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
  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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  30% 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
  13% 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 2006 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 track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2006 BMW 520d as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2006 BMW 520d as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2006 BMW 520d as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?