2000 BMW 528i: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 BMW 528i?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 BMW 528i than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  BMW 528i

  26.7% All 2000 cars

  15.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.4% of all 2000 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints4.8× usual
  BMW 528i

  11.4% All 2000 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.7% of all 2000 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 rack3.6× usual
  BMW 528i

  7.6% All 2000 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 1.2% of all 2000 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.

• Corroded fuel pipes6.1× usual
  BMW 528i

  6.1% All 2000 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2000 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.

• Airbag warning light3.8× usual
  BMW 528i

  5% All 2000 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.1% of all 2000 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

Common 2000 BMW 528i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 BMW 528i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  42% 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
  36% 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
  30% 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
  29% 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.

• 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  14% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 BMW 528i

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 1.8× as often on the 2000 BMW 528i as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2000 BMW 528i as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2000 BMW 528i as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?