Used car guide

2007 BMW 525i: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the BMW 525i first registered in 2007: we looked at the 827 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

827MOTs of 2007 cars, done in 2023–2025
73%pass first time (all 2007 cars: 57%)
6,800typical miles a year
33%had suspension flagged

Common 2007 BMW 525i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 BMW 525i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    33% 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.

  • Tyres
    26% 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.

  • Brakes
    22% 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
    17% 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
    15% 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
    8% 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 2007 BMW 525i

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a BMW 525i?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the BMW 525i compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2009531Suspension 26%
2008770Suspension 28%
2006874Suspension 33%
2005930Suspension 40%
20041,482Suspension 44%
20031,098Suspension 40%
20021,280Suspension 36%
20011,321Suspension 40%
2000273Brakes 42%
1995263Suspension 35%
1994150Brakes 44%
1993120Suspension 47%
1992103Suspension 33%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW 525i cars first registered in 2007. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score