1997 BMW 523i: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 BMW 523i?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 BMW 523i than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Headlights2.8× usual
  BMW 523i

  11.9% All 1997 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 2.5% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.3× usual
  BMW 523i

  10.3% All 1997 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.3%, against 4.4% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 1997 BMW 523i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 BMW 523i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  47% 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
  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
  28% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% 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.

• 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 523i

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

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 1997 BMW 523i as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1997 BMW 523i as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?