1998 BMW 523i: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 BMW 523i?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 BMW 523i than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Anti-roll bar link joints5.7× usual
  BMW 523i

  10.2% All 1998 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.5% of all 1998 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 light6.6× usual
  BMW 523i

  6.6% All 1998 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 0.8% of all 1998 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.

• Headlights2× usual
  BMW 523i

  9.2% All 1998 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 2.5% of all 1998 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.

• Corroded fuel pipes5.3× usual
  BMW 523i

  4.8% All 1998 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 1998 BMW 523i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 BMW 523i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  40% 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
  39% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  31% 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
  24% 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
  18% 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
  14% 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 1998 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 anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the 1998 BMW 523i as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 6.6× as often on the 1998 BMW 523i as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1998 BMW 523i as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?