1998 BMW 535i: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 BMW 535i?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 BMW 535i than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  BMW 535i

  33.3% All 1998 cars

  15.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.4% of all 1998 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.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.5× usual
  BMW 535i

  11.4% All 1998 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11%, against 4.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 1998 BMW 535i MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 BMW 535i MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  37% 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
  35% 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.

• Suspension
  35% 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
  27% 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
  25% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 BMW 535i

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 2.1× as often on the 1998 BMW 535i as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1998 BMW 535i as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?