2011 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · LD11 CKA
2011 BMW 520 (2.0L, diesel). First registered 23 May 2011. Recorded mileage 184,403 miles. MOT valid until 11 Mar 2027. Taxed until 01 Apr 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 520
- Year / Origin
- 2011 · Stanmore (North London)
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 11 Mar 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Apr 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 184,403 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.0L
- 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.
LD11 CKA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 07/03/2026
- 184,403 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LD11 CKA MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2011 BMW 520 (LD11 CKA) between March 2022 and March 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 1 advisory notice notes an item to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 1 advisory notice is 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.
LD11 CKA Mileage History
- 07/03/2022156,381 mi
- 10/03/2023160,528 mi+4,147 mi
- 24/02/2024163,177 mi+2,649 mi
- 08/03/2025174,199 mi+11,022 mi
- 07/03/2026184,403 mi+10,204 mi
Average of roughly 7,006 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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 high mil
Given the 184,403 miles on the clock, the primary focus should be on the service history. Ensure there is evidence of regular oil changes and check for any records regarding the timing chain or DPF cleaning, which are critical for high-mileage diesel engines of this era.
You should use the March 2026 MOT advisories regarding the near-side and off-side front lower suspension arm ball joints as a point for price negotiation, as these will likely require replacement in the near future to avoid an MOT failure.
The 2000cc diesel engine offers a balance of power and efficiency, though fuel economy will be influenced by the vehicle's high mileage. Insurance costs will be typical for a BMW 5 Series, and road tax will be based on the 2011 emissions bracket.
Maintenance costs are expected to be higher than average for this vehicle. With suspension arms already flagged as wearing and the model's general tendency for shock absorber and tyre wear, owners should budget for more frequent component replacements.
Pay close attention to the front suspension. The 2026 MOT specifically noted 'slight play' in both the n/s/f and o/s/f lower front suspension arm ball joints; these should be physically inspected for deterioration. This aligns with aggregate data showing suspension arms as a top failure reason for this model.
Additionally, check the condition of the shock absorbers and all four tyres, as these are common failure points across the 90,826 vehicles analysed for this model. Ensure there are no leaks around the engine bay that could indicate wear related to the high mileage.
This grey 2011 BMW 520 diesel has covered 184,403 miles, which is significantly above the average for its age. The vehicle has passed its last five MOT tests between 2022 and 2026, though the most recent test in March 2026 identifies wear in the front lower suspension arm ball joints.
The BMW 520 has an average MOT pass rate of 82.8%, with suspension arms and shock absorbers being frequent points of failure.
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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