2009 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · G28 SAJ

The most recent MOT test on 16 October 2025 resulted in a pass, although two advisories were issued concerning the nearside and offside front tyres, both noted as worn close to the legal limit and on the outer edge. Reviewing the broader test history, the vehicle has passed every annual assessment since 2020 apart from a single failure on 11 October 2022, which was subsequently rectified at the re-test the following day. The advisories on record have remained broadly consistent in nature, with front tyre edge wear appearing repeatedly across the 2020 and 2025 tests, alongside occasional rear tyre advisories. This pattern suggests a stable but not exemplary maintenance trend, with no evidence of worsening structural defects, brake deterioration, or exhaust emissions issues emerging over recent years. The earlier anti-roll bar linkage and driveshaft boot failures appear to have been addressed at the time and have not recurred. With 133,638 miles recorded against approximately 17 years of service, the vehicle is averaging around 7,861 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and consistent with regular daily use rather than long periods of standing or excessive high-mileage accumulation. There are no significant gaps or sudden spikes in the mileage progression discernible from the MOT record, indicating that the odometer reading is likely representative of continuous use. This annual mileage is high enough to suggest that major mechanical items such as the timing chain, valve cover gasket, and rear subframe mountings may have been subjected to considerable wear. For a BMW 5 Series of this vintage, particularly the E60 generation which is known for certain age-related concerns, the mileage places the car firmly within the territory where suspension refreshment, cooling system renewal, and automatic transmission servicing become pertinent considerations. The recurring advisory relating to front tyres wearing on the outer edge is consistent with either incorrect wheel alignment, worn suspension components, or a combination of both. A prospective buyer should ask for evidence of recent geometry or tracking adjustment, and should inspect the front suspension thoroughly on a test drive. Listen for any knocking or clonking over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn upper or lower wishbone bushes, top mounts, or droplinks. The 2022 failure relating to front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers should prompt a close inspection of the front anti-roll bar bushes and linkages, as these are a known wear item on the E60 and deteriorated rubber can cause noticeable body roll and reduced cornering precision. The 2020 advisory concerning the nearside rear outer driveshaft CV boot failure also warrants checking the inner and outer CV boots on both sides for any signs of grease leakage or splits, and listening for any clicking or vibration on full lock manoeuvres, particularly at low speed. Given the age of the vehicle, attention should also be paid to items that are time-sensitive rather than mileage-sensitive. Brake fluid should be verified as having been changed within the last two to three years, as moisture absorption can compromise braking efficiency regardless of pad wear. Coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid should be inspected for condition, with evidence of recent servicing being valuable. The 12V battery is likely approaching or beyond its typical service life, so its health should be checked, particularly as a weak battery can cause electrical faults and warning light issues common on this model. Inspect the underside and wheel arches carefully for corrosion, paying particular attention to the rear subframe mounting points, brake lines, and jacking areas, as these are known corrosion hotspots on the E60. On the test drive, ensure the automatic transmission shifts smoothly and that the engine demonstrates no obvious oil smoke from the rear, as valve stem seals and the timing chain guides are known wear areas at this mileage.