1999 BMW 530d: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 BMW 530d?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 BMW 530d than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Anti-roll bar link joints4.5× usual
  BMW 530d

  9.9% All 1999 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.7% of all 1999 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.1× usual
  BMW 530d

  12.6% All 1999 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.2% of all 1999 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.

Common 1999 BMW 530d MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 BMW 530d MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  46% 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  20% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 BMW 530d

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

1. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.5× as often on the 1999 BMW 530d as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1999 BMW 530d as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?