2009 BMW 520d: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 BMW 520d?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 BMW 520d than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Flexible brake hoses3.3× usual
  BMW 520d

  8.6% All 2009 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.4% of all 2009 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.

• Link ball joint covers2.6× usual
  BMW 520d

  7.6% All 2009 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.6% of all 2009 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.

• Windscreen1.7× usual
  BMW 520d

  5.3% All 2009 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

Common 2009 BMW 520d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 BMW 520d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  35% 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
  34% 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.

• Brakes
  27% 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
  21% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  10% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 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 flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2009 BMW 520d as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2009 BMW 520d as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the windscreen? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2009 BMW 520d as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?