2021 BMW 520i: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Petrol and Diesel versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2021 BMW 520i
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.
- All engines
Ten recalls
Recalls also covered the brake pedal switch, curtain airbags, the steering gear, a balance shaft bearing, 48-volt battery cables, rear driveshafts and plug-in hybrid batteries.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm every recall has been done.
Source: What Car?: used BMW 5 Series (2017-2023) reliability
- All engines
Electrical and sensor faults
Most petrol faults are electrical, including faulty sensors, persistent warning lights and infotainment faults.
At the viewing: Test every button and screen, and look for warning lights.
Source: What Car?: used BMW 5 Series (2017-2023) reliability
Looking at a BMW 520i?
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Other years
Every year of the BMW 520i compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 571 | Tyres 20% |
| 2020 | 383 | Tyres 24% |
| 2018 | 119 | Tyres 18% |
| 2016 | 315 | Tyres 17% |
| 2015 | 582 | Tyres 25% |
| 2014 | 332 | Tyres 28% |
| 2013 | 192 | Tyres 22% |
| 2012 | 225 | Tyres 31% |
| 2005 | 154 | Suspension 42% |
| 2004 | 696 | Suspension 45% |
| 2003 | 1,079 | Suspension 42% |
| 2002 | 913 | Brakes 42% |
| 2001 | 709 | Brakes 38% |
| 2000 | 404 | Suspension 45% |
| 1999 | 390 | Brakes 45% |
| 1998 | 287 | Suspension 47% |
| 1997 | 150 | Brakes 45% |
| 1996 | 120 | Suspension 37% |
| 1995 | 303 | Suspension 49% |
| 1994 | 183 | Brakes 39% |
| 1993 | 121 | Suspension 41% |