2021 BMW 520i hybrid: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the hybrid BMW 520i first registered in 2021 (hybrid cars only): we looked at the 993 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2021 BMW 520i hybrid MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 BMW 520i hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres23% 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.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors2% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Brakes1% 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.
Known faults on the 2021 BMW 520i hybrid
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
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 BMW 520i hybrid
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- 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
| 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% |
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 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score