2016 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · FL16 OCR

The current roadworthiness status of this 2016 BMW 520 is compromised, as the most recent MOT test on 2 March 2026 at 75,332 miles resulted in a failure. Curiously, the record lists no specific defects for this failure, nor for the preceding failure on 28 February 2024 at 60,330 miles. This pattern suggests either administrative anomalies or dangerous defects that prevented the test from completing. Regardless of the missing defect codes, the vehicle sits in a failed state today, 8 July 2026, meaning it cannot be legally driven on public roads until a valid MOT certificate is issued. The maintenance trend appears stable between 2023 and 2025, with clean passes, but the current failed status demands immediate investigation. The mileage accumulation aligns closely with the vehicle's age, averaging roughly 7,500 miles annually. Between the March 2023 test at 53,893 miles and the February 2024 test at 60,330 miles, the car covered approximately 6,400 miles. The subsequent year saw a similar increase of around 6,700 miles, reaching 67,102 miles by March 2025. The most recent annual interval shows a slightly higher usage of roughly 8,200 miles, climbing to 75,332 miles by March 2026. There are no alarming gaps in the testing schedule, with annual tests conducted consistently each spring, indicating regular use rather than prolonged standing. Because the official record fails to specify the defects causing the two failures, a buyer must treat the vehicle as an unknown quantity mechanically. A thorough pre-purchase inspection should focus on common failure points for this model. Inspect the condition of the suspension bushes and coil springs, particularly at the rear, which often degrade around this mileage. Check the brake discs and calipers for wear or binding, and examine the exhaust system for leaks or catalytic converter efficiency, as emissions failures are common on modern diesels. Furthermore, inspect the inner wings, sills, and subframes for corrosion, as structural rust can trigger a failure. Given the current failed status, verifying the exact reason for the 2026 failure is the absolute priority before any exchange of funds.