2002 BMW 520 2.2L Petrol · CY02 PRY

The most recent MOT, carried out on 8 October 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle met the statutory safety and emissions standards at that date. Over the previous six years the MOT record shows a single failure in October 2020, principally for a supplementary restraint system fault and an inadequately supported brake pipe, but subsequent tests have all been passes. The presence of recurring advisories – front tyre edge wear, front suspension arm bush wear, a minor oil leak and a noisy exhaust – suggests a pattern of gradual wear rather than a sudden deterioration, and the overall maintenance trend can be described as stable with a few wear items that merit attention. At 133 716 miles recorded for a 2002 model, the car averages roughly 5 500 miles per year, which is considerably below the typical usage for a vehicle of this age. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be as consequential as high mileage in terms of component ageing. The limited mileage reduces cumulative mechanical fatigue on the engine, transmission and suspension, but it also raises the likelihood of rubber hardening, battery sulphation and corrosion developing during idle periods. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT chronology, so the mileage appears to have been logged consistently. A prospective buyer should give particular focus to the front tyre condition; the near‑side tyre was flagged as close to the legal tread limit and showing edge wear, while the off‑side tyre has a similar advisory from the previous year. Inspect both tyres for uneven wear patterns, sidewall cracking and any signs of delamination, and verify that the tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm across the entire width. The suspension arm pin and bush advisories indicate that the front suspension bushes are approaching the end of their service life; a test‑drive should be performed at low speed on a smooth surface, listening for clunking or feeling for excessive play when steering or applying the brakes. The oil leak noted in 2020 and reiterated as an advisory in 2020 and 2021 should be located – common sources are the valve cover gasket or oil pan – and the oil level and condition checked for contamination. The noisy exhaust recorded in 2023 may be a sign of a cracked pipe, loose heat shield or deteriorated muffler, which can affect emissions compliance and increase cabin noise. Finally, verify that the SRS warning lamp is now extinguished and that the brake pipe support has been corrected, as a loose pipe can lead to vibration and premature wear of the brake line. Beyond the specific MOT items, the car’s age and low utilisation demand a thorough age‑related inspection. Examine the tyre sidewalls for dry rot and perishing, especially if the vehicle has been stored outdoors. Check the battery for sulphation, terminal corrosion and verify its cranking voltage; a battery older than ten years may need replacement regardless of apparent charge. Inspect the under‑carriage for rust, particularly around the wheel arches, suspension mounting points and the exhaust system, as standing periods can accelerate corrosion. Confirm that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been changed in line with calendar intervals (typically every 12‑24 months for oil and coolant, and every two years for brake fluid). A complete service book with stamps for major services, timing belt or chain replacement (if applicable), and any previous repairs will provide further confidence in the vehicle’s mechanical integrity before purchase.