2011 BMW 5 Series 2.0L Diesel · LP11 SOU
2011 BMW 5 Series (2.0L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 2011. Recorded mileage 154,847 miles. MOT valid until 13 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- BMW 5 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 2011 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Valid until 13 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 154,847 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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.
LP11 SOU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 15/04/2026
- 154,847 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
LP11 SOU Mileage History
- 02/01/2024113,819 mi
- 10/01/2025144,203 mi+30,384 mi
- 15/01/2025144,206 mi+3 mi
- 14/04/2026154,834 mi+10,628 mi
- 15/04/2026154,847 mi+13 mi
Average of roughly 17,964 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
LP11 SOU 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 5 Series (LP11 SOU) between January 2024 and April 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 15 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (7 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 8 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Road wheel fractured (5.2.2 (a))”; “Offside Front Anti-roll bar ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution due to a pattern of
When inspecting this specific 2.0L diesel, pay close attention to the suspension system. The most recent MOT history highlights worn bushes on both front lower shock absorbers and oil misting on the offside rear shock. You should negotiate the price downwards to account for the inevitable replacement of these components.
Ask the seller for evidence of any recent suspension work, as the 2026 failure was specifically due to ball joint dust covers and shock absorber issues. Given the high mileage of over 154,000 miles, check for any signs of fluid leaks around the engine and gearbox, and ensure the undertray is fully secure, as this was noted as a defect in 2024.
As a 2.0L diesel, this 5 Series will offer relatively efficient motorway cruising, though running costs will be influenced by its high mileage. Tax bands and insurance groups for this era of 5 Series vary depending on the specific engine output, but buyers should expect mid-range insurance costs.
Maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the age and mileage. The recent MOT history indicates that suspension components (shocks, bushes, and ball joints) are reaching the end of their service life. Expect an annual running cost in the region of £1,400-£1,800 when factoring in fuel, tax, insurance, and the higher frequency of mechanical repairs expected at this mileage.
A thorough inspection of the suspension is mandatory. Specifically, check the front lower shock absorbers for bush play and the rear shock absorbers for any signs of significant oil leakage, following the 'light misting' noted in the 2026 MOT. Inspect the ball joints and dust covers, as these have caused failures in previous tests.
Additionally, check the condition of the wheels. The 2025 MOT recorded a fractured nearside rear road wheel, so ensure the current wheels are free from cracks or structural damage. Finally, verify the condition of the braking system, as the 2024 record noted worn and pitted front brake discs.
This 2011 BMW 5 Series diesel has covered 154,847 miles, which is significantly higher than the model average of 9,808 miles per year. The MOT history shows a recurring pattern of suspension issues, including worn bushes and oil misting in the shock absorbers. While it passed its most recent test in April 2026, several advisories remain that will likely require future investment.
Aggregate data from over 80,000 vehicles shows an 87.9% MOT pass rate for this model, with tyres being a common failure point.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (LP11 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as LP11SOU.
VAUXHALL
ADAM
FIAT
PANDA
FIAT
PUNTO
FIAT
500
FIAT
500
FIAT
500
FIAT
500
FIAT
PUNTO
FIAT ABARTH 500C 1.4L
3 DOOR AUTO CONVERTIBLE
FIAT
500
FIAT
500
FIAT
500
BMW 5 SERIES Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2011 model year cars.
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.