2006 BMW 525d: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 BMW 525d?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 BMW 525d than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  BMW 525d

  23.8% All 2006 cars

  12.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.3% of all 2006 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usual
  BMW 525d

  18.1% All 2006 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Track rod ends2.1× usual
  BMW 525d

  11.6% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

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

• Flexible brake hoses1.9× usual
  BMW 525d

  10.1% All 2006 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

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

Common 2006 BMW 525d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 BMW 525d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  29% 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
  25% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% 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 2006 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 engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2006 BMW 525d as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2006 BMW 525d as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2006 BMW 525d as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?