2006 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · F9 SOC
2006 BMW 520 (2.0L, diesel). First registered 01 May 2006. Recorded mileage 170,619 miles. MOT valid until 07 Feb 2027. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- BMW 520
- Year / Origin
- 2006 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 07 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 170,619 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
F9 SOC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 24/01/2026
- 170,619 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
F9 SOC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2006 BMW 520 (F9 SOC) between February 2023 and January 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 24 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). 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.
F9 SOC Mileage History
- 25/02/2023158,447 mi
- 25/02/2023158,447 mi
- 04/03/2024164,119 mi+5,672 mi
- 08/02/2025167,763 mi+3,644 mi
- 24/01/2026170,619 mi+2,856 mi
Average of roughly 4,178 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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.
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
Given the recorded history of brake pipe corrosion appearing in two consecutive MOT tests (2024 and 2025), you should check if the nearside front brake pipe was actually replaced or merely cleaned. Ask the seller for specific evidence of this repair. Because this is a 2.0L diesel from 2006, ensure you check for any signs of turbocharger or fuel system issues which are common as mileage climbs past 150,000.
Negotiate based on the high mileage and the fact that the vehicle has seen several MOT advisories. Look for a service history that confirms regular oil changes, as high-mileage BMW diesel engines are sensitive to lubrication quality. Check the condition of the tyres, as the 2024 MOT noted a rear tyre worn close to the legal limit.
As a 2.0L diesel, fuel economy should be relatively efficient for a large executive saloon, though actual figures will depend on driving style and maintenance. This vehicle falls into a mid-range insurance group and tax band typical for a 2006 BMW 5-series.
Maintenance costs for a vehicle of this age and mileage are likely to be higher than average. You should budget for more frequent replacements of suspension components and braking systems, which are common maintenance areas for this model. Estimated annual running costs are moderate but subject to the condition of wear-and-tear items.
Specifically inspect the braking system; the MOT history explicitly mentions nearside front brake pipe corrosion in both 2024 and 2025. Ensure there are no signs of weeping fluid or further degradation. You should also inspect the lighting setup, as a 2023 failure involved headlamp aim and central stop lamp intensity.
Check the suspension and tyres thoroughly. While this specific vehicle hasn't failed on these recently, they are top failure reasons for this model aggregate. Given the 170,619 miles, listen for knocks or clunks from the shock absorbers and suspension arms during a test drive.
This 2006 BMW 520 diesel, finished in black, has covered 170,619 miles as of its last MOT in January 2026. The vehicle's history shows a pattern of minor failures and advisories, notably regarding brake pipe corrosion in 2024 and 2025. The mileage is significantly higher than the model average of 8,752 miles per year, suggesting heavy long-distance use.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 82.8% 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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