2011 BMW 520d: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 BMW 520d?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 BMW 520d than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Ball joint1.9× usual
  BMW 520d

  10.6% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 3.1% of all 2011 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 2011 BMW 520d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 BMW 520d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  31% 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.

• Suspension
  28% 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
  22% 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
  18% 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
  12% 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
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Known faults on the 2011 BMW 520d

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Timing chain wear

  All engines

  Wear in the timing chain guides and tensioner shows up as a grinding or rattling noise at start-up. Putting it right is a big job with a big bill.

  At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for grinding or rattling in the first few seconds.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

• EGR cooler recall (diesel)

  Diesel

  Over 220,000 BMWs were recalled because the EGR cooler could leak and, in rare cases, cause a fire.

  At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

• Wet passenger footwell

  All engines

  A leak at the heater blower housing can soak the front passenger carpet, often noticed as a musty smell.

  At the viewing: Feel the passenger-side carpet for damp and sniff for mustiness.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

• Cranks but won’t start

  All engines

  A failing fuel pump control unit can stop the engine firing even though it turns over. It has to be replaced.

  At the viewing: Make sure it starts promptly every time you try.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

• Noisy or odd-feeling steering

  All engines

  Air getting into the power steering, usually from a failing pump, makes the steering noisy.

  At the viewing: Turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine running and listen for whining.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

• Ticking from a front wheel

  All engines

  A brake disc that sits too close to the wheel bearing can tick on every turn. A small spacer fixes it.

  At the viewing: Drive slowly with the window down and listen for ticking.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 BMW 520d

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

1. Has the timing chain or its guides been replaced, and is there an invoice?
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2011 BMW 520d as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?