2001 BMW 530i: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 BMW 530i?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 BMW 530i than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Engine oil leaks1.9× usual
  BMW 530i

  30.7% All 2001 cars

  16%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.4% of all 2001 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.

• Link ball joint covers3.5× usual
  BMW 530i

  5.2% All 2001 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.8% of all 2001 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 rack2.3× usual
  BMW 530i

  4.5% All 2001 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.1% of all 2001 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2× usual
  BMW 530i

  5.3% All 2001 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.9% of all 2001 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.

• Side repeaters2.3× usual
  BMW 530i

  3.5% All 2001 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.8% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

Common 2001 BMW 530i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 BMW 530i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  37% 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
  35% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  32% 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.

• 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.

• 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
  13% 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 2001 BMW 530i

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 2001 BMW 530i as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2001 BMW 530i as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2001 BMW 530i as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?