2000 BMW 523i: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 BMW 523i?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 BMW 523i than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  BMW 523i

  27.4% All 2000 cars

  15.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.4% of all 2000 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.3× usual
  BMW 523i

  8% All 2000 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.7% of all 2000 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.

• Ball joint2× usual
  BMW 523i

  11.3% All 2000 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 2.2% of all 2000 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.

• Link ball joint covers4.6× usual
  BMW 523i

  5.1% All 2000 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 0.5% of all 2000 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.

• Steering rack2.8× usual
  BMW 523i

  5.9% All 2000 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.2% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2000 BMW 523i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 BMW 523i 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.

• Lights and electrics
  32% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  29% 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.

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• 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 2000 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 engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2000 BMW 523i as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2000 BMW 523i as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2000 BMW 523i as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?