2016 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · DG66 VGV

The most recent DVSA MOT outcome was a Pass dated 7 March 2026, issued on the same day as a Dangerous failure recorded for both rear tyres exhibiting tread depth below the statutory 1.6mm requirement. Although the vehicle subsequently achieved a clean pass, this dual Dangerous tyre item warrants serious attention, as it indicates that tyres were permitted to wear beyond safe legal limits before replacement. It is essential to confirm the fitment of fresh tyres post-test, and to verify matching manufacturer and size specification across the rear axle. Importantly, this is not an isolated concern; an earlier Pass with advisory in 2021 recorded an offside front tyre with a deep cut exposing ply or cords, which was deemed a Major failure, and a 2023 advisory flagged the nearside front tyre worn close to legal limit with edge wear. The 2021 test further raised advisories for rear brake disc surface degradation and thinning rear inner brake pads, while a 2023 advisory noted reduced damping effect on the offside rear shock absorber. This pattern suggests a maintenance trend that, while broadly compliant, has shown recurring issues relating to tyres, rear brake wear, and rear suspension damping, and the prospective buyer should treat these as areas requiring immediate inspection or imminent expenditure. Recorded mileage stands at 103,561 miles across a ten-year service life, yielding an average annual figure of approximately 10,356 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. MOT intervals appear reasonably consistent, with annual tests recorded from 2021 onwards without significant gaps or unusual mileage jumps between successive tests. This steady accumulation suggests the vehicle has been in regular use rather than left standing for extended periods, which is generally favourable for mechanical components such as the drivetrain, brake system, and battery. However, this mileage level places the car firmly within the bracket where major service items and wear components reach the latter stages of their service life. Routine servicing such as timing chain, fuel system, and ancillary drive components should be evidenced by a fully stamped service book, and any irregular gaps in the maintenance record should be investigated thoroughly. With regard to the specific defects and advisories recorded, particular emphasis should be placed on the rear braking system, as the 2021 advisory highlighted pitting and scoring on both rear brake discs alongside thinning rear inner brake pads. Although these were advisory items only at the time, progression is inevitable, and within five years and additional mileage the discs are likely to require replacement if not already attended to. On inspection, the buyer should measure rear disc thickness against the manufacturer’s minimum wear limit, check for lipped edges, and verify whether the brake calipers are binding or the handbrake mechanism is seizing. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder, vibration through the pedal, or uneven stopping effort, particularly under firm application from higher speeds. The 2023 advisory regarding reduced damping effect on the offside rear shock absorber also requires verification; aged dampers progressively lose hydraulic efficiency, often evidenced on test by a wallowing sensation over undulating surfaces, prolonged body oscillation after cornering, or audible clonking noises over broken tarmac. Beyond the recorded advisories, the buyer should also undertake age-and-mileage-appropriate inspections consistent with a decade-old BMW 5 Series approaching the upper echelons of typical service life. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for cracking or perishing caused by ozone exposure and UV degradation, even where tread depth remains adequate, as ten-year-old tyres may require replacement regardless of legal wear. The 12V battery is a common failure point and should be load-tested, particularly given the vehicle’s electrical demands. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid all degrade on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage, and evidence of recent fluid exchange should be obtained. Underbody inspection is strongly advised, as rear subframes, mounting points, and suspension components can suffer corrosion or bush deterioration, particularly given the documented rear brake and shock absorber advisories. Finally, verify the operation of all electronic features, as control modules, iDrive components, and driver assistance systems are known to develop faults with age, and a full diagnostic scan should be requested as part of any pre-purchase assessment.