BMW 5251996 · 2.5L DIESEL

The most recent MOT for the 1996 BMW 525 was conducted on 2015-07-17, with the vehicle recording 168,776 miles. At this time, several issues were noted, including slight play in anti-roll bar linkages, deteriorated brake hoses, and minor corrosion on the vehicle structure. While the test passed, these findings indicate ongoing concerns with suspension components and brake system integrity. A review of the MOT history reveals a recurring pattern of suspension-related defects, particularly involving anti-roll bar linkages, suspension arm bushes, and steering components. These issues were first recorded in 2012 and reappeared in subsequent tests, often accompanied by brake system deterioration, corrosion, and tire wear. The 2015-07-03 MOT failure highlighted more severe suspension bush wear, corroded brake pipes, and a parking brake efficiency deficit, suggesting progressive degradation in these areas. The trend of suspension and brake issues appears to be stable rather than worsening, as similar defects were documented across multiple MOTs without significant escalation. However, the lack of MOT data post-2015 means the current condition of these systems is unknown. The vehicle’s low mileage (approximately 5,626 miles per year) may indicate infrequent use or periods of inactivity, which can exacerbate corrosion and component stiffness, particularly in older vehicles. The mileage context raises questions about the vehicle’s usage.