2001 BMW 520 2.2L Petrol · Y821 BOE
2001 BMW 520 (2.2L, petrol). First registered 26/04/2001. Recorded mileage 119,063 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- BMW 520
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Leeds
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 25/02/2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 119,063 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Likely ULEZ Compliant (Early Euro 4)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Archived Record
Registration no longer recorded by DVLA. This usually means the vehicle is now using a private plate.
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 2171cc
Y821 BOE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 26/02/2024
- 119,063 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
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Y821 BOE Mileage History
- 03/02/2022109,494 mi
- 04/02/2022109,494 mi
- 06/02/2023115,841 mi+6,347 mi
- 08/02/2023113,864 mi-1,977 mi
- 26/02/2024119,063 mi+5,199 mi
Average of roughly 4,641 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
Y821 BOE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 BMW 520 (Y821 BOE) between February 2022 and February 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 26 February 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))”; “Front Windscreen washer not working wipers not checked (3.5 (a))”; “Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and a thorough mechanical inspection. While the recent MOT pass is a positive sign, the history of engine management and fluid leaks requires careful scrutiny.
When viewing this blue 2172cc petrol saloon, your primary focus should be on the engine and emissions systems. Given the 2023 failure regarding the exhaust Lambda reading and the 2022 failure involving an inoperative Engine MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp), you must verify that all dashboard warning lights function correctly and that the car idles smoothly without excessive smoke.
Ask the seller for evidence of recent work regarding the brake hoses and the front lower oil leak mentioned in the 2024 MOT. Because this vehicle has covered much higher mileage than the aggregate average for this model, a comprehensive service history check is essential to see how the cooling and lubrication systems have been managed over its 25-year lifespan.
Running this 2.2-litre petrol BMW will involve moderate to high costs compared to modern equivalents. Expect fuel economy to be average for a car of this era and weight, and insurance groups for older BMW 5-series models can vary significantly based on the driver's profile.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the age of the vehicle and the potential for component wear. You should budget for regular servicing and keep a reserve for common repairs such as suspension components or sensor replacements. Estimated annual running costs are approximately £1,400-£1,800.
Start by inspecting the engine bay for signs of the 'Front Lower Oil leak' noted in the February 2024 MOT. Check that the area around the oil filter and lower gaskets is clean and dry. You should also inspect the brake lines, specifically the nearside and offside rear hoses, to ensure the 'deterioration' noted in the last MOT has been professionally addressed with new components.
Additionally, test the windscreen washer system, as this was a recorded failure in 2022. Check the condition of the tyres, particularly the front edges, as previous records indicate issues with uneven wear. Finally, ensure the exhaust system is intact and that there are no signs of the Lambda sensor issues that caused the 2023 failure.
This 2001 BMW 520 presents with 119,063 miles on the clock, which is significantly higher than the model average of 8,677 miles per year. The MOT history shows a mix of results, including failures related to emissions, engine warning lights, and tyre wear. The most recent test in February 2024 noted an oil leak and deteriorated brake hoses, indicating maintenance needs to be closely monitored.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 82.7% MOT pass rate, with common failures typically involving tyres, shock absorbers, and brake pads.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Vehicle & Plate History
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