BMW 525d common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a BMW 525d?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Timing chain wear

  Cars registered 2010–2016 · All engines

  Wear in the timing chain guides and tensioner shows up as a grinding or rattling noise at start-up. Putting it right is a big job with a big bill.

  At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for grinding or rattling in the first few seconds.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

• EGR cooler recall (diesel)

  Cars registered 2010–2016 · Diesel

  Over 220,000 BMWs were recalled because the EGR cooler could leak and, in rare cases, cause a fire.

  At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

• Wet passenger footwell

  Cars registered 2010–2016 · All engines

  A leak at the heater blower housing can soak the front passenger carpet, often noticed as a musty smell.

  At the viewing: Feel the passenger-side carpet for damp and sniff for mustiness.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

• Cranks but won’t start

  Cars registered 2010–2016 · All engines

  A failing fuel pump control unit can stop the engine firing even though it turns over. It has to be replaced.

  At the viewing: Make sure it starts promptly every time you try.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

• Noisy or odd-feeling steering

  Cars registered 2010–2016 · All engines

  Air getting into the power steering, usually from a failing pump, makes the steering noisy.

  At the viewing: Turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine running and listen for whining.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

• Ticking from a front wheel

  Cars registered 2010–2016 · All engines

  A brake disc that sits too close to the wheel bearing can tick on every turn. A small spacer fixes it.

  At the viewing: Drive slowly with the window down and listen for ticking.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 5-Series common problems (2010-2017)

Common BMW 525d MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Flexible brake hoses

  up to 3.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints

  up to 2.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Engine oil leaks

  up to 1.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

  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.

• Corroded fuel pipes

  up to 12.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2002 and 2003.

  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.

• Airbag warning light

  up to 4.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2004 and 2005.

  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.

• Steering rack

  up to 4.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2002 and 2003.

  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.

BMW 525d MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2011 BMW 525d did best (77% passed first time, 15 points above all 2011 cars) and the 2016 did worst (82%, 5 points above all 2016 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a BMW 525d

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

1. Has the timing chain or its guides been replaced, and is there an invoice?
2. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the BMW 525d as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the BMW 525d as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the BMW 525d as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?