2011 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · LR11 MLE
2011 BMW 520 (2.0L, diesel). First registered 21 Mar 2011. Recorded mileage 166,639 miles. MOT expired on 11 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Aug 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 520
- Year / Origin
- 2011 · Wimbledon (South London)
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 11 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Aug 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 166,639 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.
LR11 MLE Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 06/10/2025
- 166,639 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LR11 MLE MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2011 BMW 520 (LR11 MLE) between October 2022 and October 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 12 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (5 issues), Brakes (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 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.
LR11 MLE Mileage History
- 13/10/2022117,366 mi
- 16/09/2023125,986 mi+8,620 mi
- 30/09/2024147,828 mi+21,842 mi
- 06/10/2025166,639 mi+18,811 mi
Average of roughly 16,522 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
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 and budget for imme
When inspecting this specific black 2000cc diesel, pay close attention to the suspension and braking systems. The MOT history shows a recurring issue with rear shock absorbers (misting oil noted in 2023 and 2024) and repeated instances of tyres being worn close to the legal limit. You should check the current depth of all four tyres and look for any signs of fluid leaking from the dampers.
Negotiate based on the potential immediate costs of replacing tyres and potentially the shock absorbers. Ask for a detailed service history to see if the track rod ends and prop shaft joints mentioned in previous tests have been addressed. Given the high mileage of 166,639, verify that major timing chain or turbocharger maintenance has been carried out, though this cannot be confirmed by MOT records alone.
As a 2.0L diesel, this BMW 520 is designed for motorway cruising, but its running costs will be influenced by its high mileage. Expect moderate fuel economy typical of a large diesel saloon, though maintenance costs may be higher due to the age and mileage of the vehicle.
Insurance groups for this model vary, and you should obtain a specific quote. Tax and maintenance will be impacted by the need for regular replacements of suspension components and tyres, which appear frequently in this vehicle's MOT history. Estimated annual running costs are likely to be higher than average due to the wear-and-tear profile seen in the records.
Focus your inspection on the underside and the wheel arches. The MOT history specifically highlights issues with the rear shock absorbers (misting oil) and the rear prop shaft joint. Test the vehicle on a bumpy road to listen for knocks or clunks that might indicate the suspension components or track rod ends are failing.
Check the condition of the braking system; the 2023 record noted worn and pitted rear discs alongside thin pads. Ensure the tyres are not just legal, but have even tread across the width, as 'worn on edge' has been a repeated failure/advisory for this vehicle. Finally, check the windscreen wipers, as these have been flagged as defective in the past.
This 2011 BMW 520 diesel has covered 166,639 miles as of its October 2025 MOT, which is significantly higher than the model average of 8,752 miles per year. The MOT history reveals a pattern of wear-related issues, particularly regarding tyres and rear shock absorbers. Buyers should be aware that while it currently passes, the recorded advisories suggest a trend of deferred maintenance on consumable items.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 82.8% MOT pass rate, with common failure points being tyres, shock absorbers, and suspension arms.
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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