2006 BMW 523 2.5L Petrol · HV06 OTL
2006 BMW 523 (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2006. Recorded mileage 180,857 miles. MOT expired on 22 Apr 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 523
- Year / Origin
- 2006 · Portsmouth
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 22 Apr 2026
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (30 Sept 2025)
- Recorded Mileage
- 180,857 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
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.
HV06 OTL Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 24/04/2025
- 180,857 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
HV06 OTL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2006 BMW 523 (HV06 OTL) between March 2022 and April 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 2 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 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.
HV06 OTL Mileage History
- 23/03/2022154,001 mi
- 01/04/2023165,009 mi+11,008 mi
- 28/03/2024170,694 mi+5,685 mi
- 24/04/2025180,857 mi+10,163 mi
Average of roughly 8,697 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
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 due to the very hig
Given the 180,857 miles on the clock, the primary focus should be on the service history. Look for evidence of major preventative maintenance, such as cooling system refreshes or alternator replacements, which are typical for high-mileage BMWs of this era. Ensure there is a documented history of oil changes to support the longevity of the 2.5L petrol engine.
Negotiate the price based on the high mileage and the inevitable need for wear-and-tear replacements. While the MOT record is clean, a vehicle with this distance covered is more likely to require significant component updates soon to maintain its roadworthiness.
The 2497cc petrol engine will result in higher fuel expenditure and road tax compared to smaller or newer alternatives. Insurance for the 5 Series typically falls into a mid-to-high group, adding to the annual overheads.
Maintenance costs for a 20-year-old BMW can be substantial, particularly when replacing premium parts. Between fuel, tax, insurance, and expected repairs for a high-mileage executive car, the annual costs will be significant.
Pay close attention to the suspension arms and anti-roll bars, as aggregate data identifies these as common failure points for this model. Check the current state of the brake pads, keeping in mind the 2024 advisory regarding thin front pads.
Perform a thorough check for oil or coolant leaks, which are more common as these engines exceed 150,000 miles. A professional inspection of the chassis for corrosion is also recommended given the vehicle's age and the typical UK climate.
This grey 2006 BMW 523 has recorded 180,857 miles as of its last MOT in April 2025. The vehicle has passed its last four MOT tests, with only minor advisories regarding brake pad wear in 2022 and 2024. While the MOT record shows no failures in the last four years, the total mileage is significantly higher than the model average.
This model has an average MOT pass rate of 76.8%, with common failures often linked to the anti-roll bar, headlamps, 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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