2009 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · BT58 ABV

A chronic pattern of rear brake hose deterioration and perished rear tyres dominates the MOT history of this 2009 BMW 520, with both items appearing as advisories at every recorded test from 2021 through to the most recent assessment on 28 April 2026. The same date also shows a fail-to-pass sequence on the same day, with the failure limited to a non-functioning offside side repeater lamp, an easily rectified electrical item. More mechanically significant are the two Major defects recorded on 31 October 2023, when split anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers were flagged on both front sides, followed by a Major on 31 October 2024 for a bonnet that could not be secured in the closed position on the offside. The presence of two Majors across consecutive years, combined with the persistent brake hose and tyre advisories, indicates a vehicle with recurring component degradation rather than an isolated rectification. The recorded mileage of 154,298 miles over seventeen years equates to an average of around 9,076 miles annually, broadly typical for a car of this age, though the test history shows testing gaps and rapid accumulation in certain windows. The earliest record supplied is from October 2021, suggesting either a period off the road prior to that or that earlier DVSA data was not captured. Between October 2022 and October 2024, the vehicle completed at least three tests in quick succession, with failures recorded close to pass dates, indicating the car was in active service. Under-tray fitments have been flagged at every test since October 2023, obscuring inspection of underbody components, which is a relevant consideration given the mileage and the items that have been failing. The recurring rear brake hose advisories warrant particular attention during a physical inspection. These rubber hoses degrade from the inside out, and a buyer should examine the hoses for surface cracking, bulging under pressure, or any signs of brake fluid weeping at the crimped ends. On a test drive, the pedal should feel firm with no sponginess or excessive travel, and any pulling to one side under braking could indicate a hose nearing the end of its service life. Replacement of all rear hoses is a sensible precaution given four consecutive years of advisories, as is a full brake fluid flush, since contamination accelerates internal hose deterioration. The anti-roll bar linkage dust cover failures from 2023 point to the front suspension as an area requiring scrutiny. With 154,000 miles recorded, the drop links themselves, the anti-roll bar bushes, and the control arm bushes are all candidates for wear. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or delay in steering response. The perished rear tyres, recorded at 3.5mm in 2024 and flagged again in 2026, suggest the vehicle may sit for extended periods between uses, which accelerates sidewall cracking. Check the rear tyres carefully for any bulging or cracking visible from inside the tread grooves. The bonnet catch Major from 2024 should be confirmed as properly resolved by testing the latch mechanism directly, and the offside repeater lamp verified as functional before any purchase.