2007 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · LE07 GEU

The BMW 520d’s MOT history presents a striking anomaly in June 2025, where three consecutive tests—two passes and a fail—all at near-identical mileages (97,311 to 100,417 miles) recorded no defects. This is highly unusual and suggests either a clerical error in the DVSA system or deliberate manipulation of the MOT process, as no vehicle of this age and mileage would realistically pass without any advisories or defects. The most recent valid pass, dated 2024-06-18, shows no red flags, but the lack of any recorded advisories or minor defects in the past year is suspicious for a car this old. Without further documentation, such as service records or a pre-purchase inspection, the true condition of key components—brakes, suspension, and emissions—cannot be verified from the MOT alone. The vehicle’s mileage of 100,417 over 19 years (5,285 miles annually) is exceptionally low, indicating either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between the 2023 test (95,514 miles) and the 2024 test (97,311 miles) covers roughly 11 months with just 1,800 miles logged, while the final stretch to 100,417 miles took less than a year. This uneven pattern raises questions about whether the car was stored for extended periods, potentially accelerating hidden issues like seized bearings, degraded seals, or corrosion in less-accessible areas. The absence of mileage accumulation also means wear on consumables like tyres, brake pads, and suspension bushes may have been underestimated by previous owners. Given the MOT’s lack of detail, a buyer should prioritise a thorough mechanical inspection, particularly focusing on the rear brakes, which are prone to binding in BMWs of this era. The suspension—specifically the coil springs, anti-roll bars, and bushings—should be checked for wear or corrosion, as low-mileage cars often develop stiffness from lack of movement. Structural integrity, especially around wheel arches, sills, and the underbody, must be assessed for corrosion, as rust can compromise safety without affecting MOT results. Emissions systems, including the DPF (if fitted) and exhaust components, should also be verified, as a car with such inconsistent mileage may have unresolved faults in these areas. Without service records, the engine’s oil life and fluid condition cannot be trusted, making a compression test and fluid analysis advisable.