Used car guide

1997 BMW 520i: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW 520i first registered in 1997: we looked at the 150 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 150 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

150MOTs of 1997 cars, done in 2023–2025
61%pass first time (all 1997 cars: 65%)
4,400typical miles a year
45%had brakes flagged

Common 1997 BMW 520i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 BMW 520i 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
    38% 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
    32% 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.

  • Tyres
    18% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 BMW 520i

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a BMW 520i?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the BMW 520i compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022571Tyres 20%
20211,025Tyres 23%
2020383Tyres 24%
2018119Tyres 18%
2016315Tyres 17%
2015582Tyres 25%
2014332Tyres 28%
2013192Tyres 22%
2012225Tyres 31%
2005154Suspension 42%
2004696Suspension 45%
20031,079Suspension 42%
2002913Brakes 42%
2001709Brakes 38%
2000404Suspension 45%
1999390Brakes 45%
1998287Suspension 47%
1996120Suspension 37%
1995303Suspension 49%
1994183Brakes 39%
1993121Suspension 41%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW 520i cars first registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score