2003 BMW 525d: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 BMW 525d?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 BMW 525d than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Corroded fuel pipes12.7× usual
  BMW 525d

  8.9% All 2003 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.5× usual
  BMW 525d

  8.4% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.2% of all 2003 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 rack3.9× usual
  BMW 525d

  6.3% All 2003 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.9% of all 2003 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.

• Side repeaters3.3× usual
  BMW 525d

  5.6% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

Common 2003 BMW 525d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 BMW 525d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  50% 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
  41% 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
  35% 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
  33% 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
  17% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  15% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 BMW 525d

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

1. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 12.7× as often on the 2003 BMW 525d as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2003 BMW 525d as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2003 BMW 525d as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?