1994 BMW 520i: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1994 BMW 520i?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1994 BMW 520i than on all cars registered in 1994.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  BMW 520i

  27.3% All 1994 cars

  13.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1.8% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 1994 BMW 520i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1994 BMW 520i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  39% 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
  36% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  26% 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
  22% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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 1994 BMW 520i

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1994 BMW 520i as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?