1985 BMW 520 2.0L Petrol · B942 BYA

The most recent MOT entries for this 1985 BMW 520, dated 2025-09-18 and 2025-09-17, reveal recurring mechanical issues despite the vehicle’s low mileage of 168,326 miles. Oil and coolant leaks, rear subframe bush deterioration, and tyre wear are consistently flagged, with the latest tests also noting nearside and offside front tyres at or near legal limits. These defects suggest ongoing maintenance challenges rather than isolated incidents. A pattern of suspension and steering component wear emerges, including rear subframe bushes, drag link end ball joints, and rear brake imbalance. Tyre conditions—worn edges, perishing, and tread depth below requirements—indicate potential alignment or suspension misalignment, compounded by the vehicle’s low annual mileage. While low mileage might imply lighter use, the repeated defects hint at either prolonged periods of inactivity or insufficient maintenance over time. The trend shows no improvement in the vehicle’s condition. Defects from 2024 and 2025 mirror earlier issues, with no evidence of corrective action. The 2023 MOT, the only clean test, is now over two years old, leaving a gap in recent records. This lack of progress raises concerns about the vehicle’s reliability and the likelihood of escalating repair costs.