2003 BMW 520i: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 BMW 520i?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 BMW 520i than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Engine oil leaks2.3× usual
  BMW 520i

  33.9% All 2003 cars

  15%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Link ball joint covers2.4× usual
  BMW 520i

  5.6% All 2003 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.3% of all 2003 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints1.9× usual
  BMW 520i

  6.6% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1.2% of all 2003 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 light2.5× usual
  BMW 520i

  3.7% All 2003 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.3% of all 2003 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 2003 BMW 520i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 BMW 520i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  42% 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
  42% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  36% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% 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 2003 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 engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2003 BMW 520i as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2003 BMW 520i as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 BMW 520i as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?