BMW 528i common problems and MOT failures
What goes wrong on a used BMW 528i, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 5,471 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.
Pick the year
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
What usually goes wrong with a BMW 528i?
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.
- Cars registered 2010–2016 · All engines
Timing chain wear
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.
- Cars registered 2010–2016 · Diesel
EGR cooler recall (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.
- Cars registered 2010–2016 · All engines
Wet passenger footwell
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.
- Cars registered 2010–2016 · All engines
Cranks but won’t start
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.
- Cars registered 2010–2016 · All engines
Noisy or odd-feeling steering
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.
- Cars registered 2010–2016 · All engines
Ticking from a front wheel
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.
Common BMW 528i MOT failures to check
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.
Anti-roll bar link joints
up to 4.8× usualStands out on cars registered in 1998, 1999 and 2000.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Corroded fuel pipes
up to 6.1× usualStands out on cars registered in 1999 and 2000.
Rough price £100–£400 our estimateAt 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 5.3× usualStands out on cars registered in 1998 and 2000.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt 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 3.6× usualStands out on cars registered in 1999 and 2000.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Engine oil leaks
up to 1.8× usualStands out on cars registered in 1999 and 2000.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
BMW 528i MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 87% | 77% +10 | 468 (small sample) |
| 2015 | 86% | 74% +12 | 736 |
| 2014 | 86% | 70% +16 | 471 (small sample) |
| 2013 | 77% | 67% +10 | 300 (small sample) |
| 2012 | 86% | 64% +22 | 210 (small sample) |
| 2011 | 78% | 62% +16 | 483 (small sample) |
| 2010 | 75% | 60% +15 | 468 (small sample) |
| 2000 | 65% | 61% +4 | 595 |
| 1999 | 63% | 63% +0 | 689 |
| 1998 | 61% | 65% -4 | 590 |
| 1997 | 64% | 65% -1 | 287 (small sample) |
| 1996 | 60% | 66% -6 | 174 (small sample) |
Questions to ask the seller before buying a BMW 528i
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the timing chain or its guides been replaced, and is there an invoice?
- Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the BMW 528i as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 6.1× as often on the BMW 528i as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the BMW 528i as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW 528i?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score