2007 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · E6 ORP

A series of previous failures and recurring component wear defines the mechanical history of this 2007 BMW 520, which most recently passed its MOT on 9 June 2026 without any recorded defects. While the latest test shows a clean sheet, the historical record reveals a pattern of dangerous and major defects, including three separate tyre tread failures, a seriously leaking offside front shock absorber, blown headlamp bulbs, and a major exhaust leak at the front flexi pipe between 2021 and 2023. These earlier failures demonstrate that the car has experienced significant periods of neglected maintenance and compromised roadworthiness before passing subsequent retests. With 191,407 miles accumulated over its 19-year lifespan, the vehicle has covered an average of approximately 10,074 miles per year, representing typical annual usage for a large executive diesel saloon. This steady mileage accumulation indicates that the car has remained in regular service rather than being subjected to prolonged periods of inactivity, though such high mileage places heavy cumulative stress on foundational components such as suspension joints, steering linkages, engine ancillaries, and the drivetrain. When conducting an inspection and test drive, a prospective buyer must pay particular attention to the front exhaust flexi pipe, which was flagged multiple times for minor and major gas leaks in prior tests, as well as the oil leak noted in early 2025. Listen carefully for any harsh rasping noises or rattling from underneath the engine bay during acceleration, and inspect the lower engine area for fresh oil pooling or misting on the undertray. Furthermore, the rear inner suspension arm bushes were recorded as worn in 2025, following earlier warnings regarding rear upper control arm bushes in 2021. To evaluate the condition of these aging suspension components and the steering geometry during the test drive, drive over uneven road surfaces and listen for any knocking, clunking, or vague handling responses from the front and rear axles. Check that the driver seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism functions correctly, as it failed an MOT in 2021, and verify that both front headlamp lenses provide clear light output without the serious degradation noted in past tests. Thoroughly check the remaining tread depth and manufacture condition across all four tyres, given the vehicle's history of multiple dangerous tread depth failures.