2009 BMW 525 3.0L Petrol · A1 ABH
2009 BMW 525 (3.0L, petrol). First registered 30/03/2009. Recorded mileage 96,829 miles. MOT valid until 27/05/2027. Taxed until 01/12/2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW 525
- Year / Origin
- 2009 · Peterborough
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 27/05/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/12/2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 96,829 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 3.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2009
- Engine
- 2996cc
A1 ABH Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 05/05/2026
- 96,829 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: 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
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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A1 ABH Mileage History
- 25/05/202486,496 mi
- 06/05/202591,717 mi+5,221 mi
- 07/05/202591,717 mi
- 05/05/202696,829 mi+5,112 mi
- 05/05/202696,829 mi
Average of roughly 5,314 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
A1 ABH 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 2009 BMW 525 (A1 ABH) between May 2024 and May 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 05 May 2026 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: Lighting (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii))”; “Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))”; “Drive belt excessively worn (6.1.7 (c) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2009 BMW 525 has a mixed MOT histor
Prioritise a thorough inspection of the braking system, particularly the offside front brake pads, as these were flagged as below the legal limit in 2026. The drive belt failure in 2025 suggests it may need replacing soon if not already done, so ask for proof of this work. Check the headlamp function and washer system, as both have failed before. For a 2009 5 Series, also inspect the anti-roll bar links and tyres, which are common failure points for this model according to aggregate data.
Negotiate based on the cost of addressing these issues. A full service history would add confidence, but the MOT records alone don’t confirm this. If the seller can’t prove recent work on the drive belt or brakes, factor in £200-£400 for these repairs.
The 3.0-litre petrol engine in the 525 won’t be cheap to run, with real-world fuel economy likely in the low 20s MPG for mixed driving. Road tax for a pre-2017 petrol car of this size is £390 annually (Band M). Insurance is typically Group 30-35, which can be costly, especially for older luxury models. Maintenance costs for a BMW of this age can be higher than average due to premium parts and labour rates.
Expect annual running costs in the region of £1,500-£1,800, including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance. If major components like the drive belt or suspension parts need replacing, this could rise significantly.
Focus on the offside front brake pads and the overall condition of the braking system, as these were below the legal thickness in the 2026 MOT. The drive belt was flagged as excessively worn in 2025, so verify its condition or replacement. Test all headlamps and the washer system, as both have failed in the past. Given the model’s common failure points, also check the anti-roll bar links for wear and the tyres for tread depth and damage.
A pre-purchase inspection should also cover the cooling system, as older BMWs can suffer from water pump and thermostat issues. Listen for unusual noises from the suspension and check for uneven tyre wear, which could indicate alignment or suspension problems.
A 2009 BMW 525 with 96,829 miles, this grey petrol model has passed its last MOT in May 2026 but failed the same test initially for thin offside front brake pads and insufficient washer fluid. The 2025 test also saw a failure for a worn drive belt and a non-working offside headlamp, though it passed a retest the next day. The mileage is above average for its age, and the model’s typical failure points (anti-roll bar, headlamp, tyre) align with some of the issues seen here.
The 2009 BMW 5 Series has an average MOT pass rate of 78.6%, with anti-roll bar, headlamp, and tyre issues being the most frequent failure reasons. This aligns with some of the problems seen in this vehicle’s history.
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
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