2011 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · BP11 DBY
2011 BMW 520 (2.0L, diesel). First registered 01/07/2011. Recorded mileage 88,241 miles. MOT status: Expired. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- BMW 520
- Year / Origin
- 2011 · Birmingham
- MOT Status
- Valid until 28/12/2023
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 88,241 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- DIESEL
- Year
- 2011
- Engine
- 1995cc
BP11 DBY Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 29/12/2022
- 88,241 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (4 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
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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BP11 DBY MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 2011 BMW 520 (BP11 DBY) between December 2022 and December 2022.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 4 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (4 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution and a thorough mech
When viewing this 1.9L diesel BMW, your primary focus should be on the immediate maintenance requirements. The 2022 MOT record shows all four tyres were nearing the legal limit, so you should check if a full set has been replaced since then and verify the tread depth and brand quality.
Ask the seller for evidence of recent tyre replacement and check the condition of the suspension components. Given that the aggregate data for this model identifies shock absorbers and suspension arms as common failure points, these should be inspected for leaks or excessive play during your test drive.
As a 2.0L diesel, this BMW 520 is designed for higher mileage efficiency, though running costs will be influenced by its insurance group and tax band. Expect typical diesel fuel economy for a mid-sized executive saloon, but be mindful of potential maintenance costs associated with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) if used for short urban trips.
Annual running costs will include fuel, road tax, insurance, and a budget for periodic maintenance. Given the model's tendency for suspension-related MOT failures, it is wise to budget for more frequent component replacements compared to a standard hatchback.
Specifically inspect the tyres; the 2022 MOT history explicitly noted that the nearside front, nearside rear, offside front, and offside rear tyres were all worn close to the legal limit. Ensure that the current tyres are not just legal, but have healthy tread depth across the entire width to avoid the 'worn on edge' issue noted previously.
Additionally, because aggregate data for this model shows frequent failures related to shock absorbers and suspension arms, check for any clunking noises over bumps or uneven tyre wear, which could indicate underlying suspension issues common to this 5-series generation.
This 2011 BMW 520, finished in grey, has covered 88,241 miles as of its last recorded MOT in late 2022. The mileage is significantly higher than the model average of 8,753 miles per year for a vehicle of this age. The most recent MOT data shows a pass, but it was accompanied by advisories for all four tyres being worn close to the legal limit.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 82.9% average MOT pass rate, with common failures occurring in tyres, shock absorbers, and suspension arms.
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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