2016 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · LB66 NHJ

The 2016 BMW 520 presents a stable and consistently clean maintenance trend across its entire MOT history. The most recent test on 26 August 2025 at 72,175 miles passed with zero defects, mirroring the outcome of every preceding annual test back to December 2021. This unbroken record of first-time passes with no advisories or failures indicates a vehicle that has been kept in sound mechanical order, with no recurring faults or emerging deterioration patterns. The mileage accumulation is steady and predictable. Between the December 2021 test at 45,180 miles and the August 2025 test at 72,175 miles, the car covered roughly 27,000 miles over three years and eight months, averaging approximately 7,500 miles per year. This aligns closely with the vehicle's lifetime average of around 7,218 miles per year, suggesting consistent regular use rather than prolonged standing or sudden high-mileage bursts. The annual test intervals are well spaced, with no suspicious gaps or anomalies in the record. Despite the clean MOT history, a prospective buyer should still conduct a thorough in-person inspection focused on components that MOT tests only sample at a snapshot in time. The 520's rear suspension bushes, coil springs, and anti-roll bar links deserve close scrutiny, as these are common wear items on BMW 5 Series models that can degrade between tests without triggering an immediate failure. Brake discs and pads should be measured for thickness and condition, particularly at the rear, where binding calipers are a known issue on this platform. Underbody corrosion and structural integrity around the subframes and suspension mounting points warrant a ramp inspection, especially given the vehicle's age. Exhaust emissions components, including the diesel particulate filter if applicable, should be verified for function beyond the basic emissions test threshold. Tyre condition and age should also be checked, as rubber degrades over time regardless of tread depth. The clean MOT record is encouraging, but a pre-purchase inspection remains essential to confirm that this standard of upkeep has continued between tests.