2002 BMW 5252.5L Petrol

The vehicle currently holds a clean bill of health, with the most recent MOT conducted on 28 January 2026 at 144,234 miles resulting in a pass with no recorded defects. This outcome aligns with a stable maintenance trend observed over the last four years, during which the car has consistently passed its annual inspections without any advisories. The brief failure on 21 January 2025 at 143,015 miles appears to be a procedural anomaly rather than a mechanical issue, as the vehicle successfully passed only two days later without any repairs noted. The recorded mileage of 144,234 over a 24-year lifespan averages approximately 6,010 miles per annum, which is well within the expected range for a vehicle of this vintage. Annual usage has remained remarkably consistent, with roughly 3,000 miles covered between the 2024 and 2025 tests and approximately 1,200 miles recorded in the most recent twelve-month period. This steady, low-intensity usage pattern suggests the car has not been subjected to excessive long-distance wear, though it also indicates the vehicle has spent significant time in operation rather than sitting idle for extended periods. Prospective buyers should focus their physical inspection on the E39 chassis-specific vulnerabilities that MOT testing may not fully capture. While the recent history is clear, inspect the suspension bushes, ball joints, and control arms for signs of perishing rubber, as these components frequently degrade on this BMW platform regardless of mileage. Check the underside for structural corrosion, particularly around the jacking points and fuel lines, and verify that the cooling system shows no signs of recent overheating or leaks. Given the age of the vehicle, ensure the engine bay is free from oil leaks around the rocker cover gasket and oil filter housing, as these are common points of failure that do not always trigger an MOT failure.