2014 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · LB14 AAE

The most recent MOT, carried out on 27 May 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory roadworthiness criteria. This follows a series of clean passes in 2024, 2025 and early 2026, after a single failure in October 2023 that identified a fractured off‑side front coil spring and dangerously worn rear tyres. The swift rectification of those items and the subsequent clean certificates suggest that the maintenance regime has improved and is now stable, provided the owner continues to address wear items promptly. At 109,316 miles for a 2014 model the average annual mileage works out at just over 9,100 miles, which is typical for a mid‑size executive saloon of this age. The mileage does not indicate excessive short‑trip abuse, but it does imply that major consumables such as suspension bushings, shock absorbers, brake pads and discs, and drivetrain components have been subjected to a normal wear cycle. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage that would suggest long periods of storage, which can sometimes mask age‑related degradation despite low usage. For a prospective buyer the priority is to verify that the coil spring repair was carried out to BMW specification and that the associated mounting points, strut bearing and anti‑roll bar links are free of corrosion or cracking. On a test drive listen for any clunk or thud when compressing the front suspension, especially over bumps, and feel for any uneven wheel bounce that could indicate a lingering fault in the spring or damper. The rear tyre wear noted in 2023 should have been remedied; inspect the sidewalls for cracking, bulges or dry rot and confirm that the tread depth now exceeds the legal 1.6 mm across the entire width. Also check the wheel alignment by noting whether the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel is off‑centre when travelling straight. Given the vehicle is now twelve years old, a thorough age‑related inspection is advisable. Examine the 12 V battery terminals for corrosion and test the cranking voltage, as batteries tend to lose capacity after a decade of service. Inspect all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for correct levels, colour and any signs of contamination; fluids should be replaced on a calendar basis even if mileage is modest. Look for rust on the wheel arches, under‑body panels and suspension components, particularly if the car has spent time idle, and verify that the service book contains regular oil changes, timing‑chain or belt service entries and any recommended BMW service intervals for the N20/N26 engine family. A comprehensive visual and road‑test appraisal, coupled with a review of any recent service invoices, will give a clear picture of the car’s current mechanical health and any imminent maintenance that may be required.