2016 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · LS66 RYR

A pattern of ageing consumables and minor tyre damage defines this 2016 BMW 520, with the most recent MOT on 20 November 2025 recorded as a clean pass, yet earlier tests reveal a progression from a wheel distortion advisory in 2019 to brake‑pad wear advisories in 2024 and recurring tyre‑sidewall cuts noted in 2023. The single failure in late‑2023 related solely to headlamp aim, which was rectified and re‑advisory on the same test, indicates that the vehicle’s core safety systems have otherwise remained within acceptable limits. At 49,270 mi the car averages just under 5,000 mi per year, a mileage figure considerably lower than typical for a ten‑year‑old executive saloon. Such low annual accumulation suggests light use, which generally reduces cumulative wear on major power‑train components, but it also raises the possibility of prolonged idle periods that can affect rubber elasticity and corrosion‑prone fittings. The MOT record shows no gaps in testing, confirming continuous road‑worthiness checks throughout its life. Potential brake‑system concerns should be inspected closely. Both front and rear pad wear advisories in the 2024 test imply that the pads are approaching the minimum thickness; a test‑drive should include a firm, noise‑free pedal response without excessive pedal travel, and a visual inspection of pad thickness and rotor condition is advisable to confirm whether resurfacing or replacement is required. Any pulsation or judder when applying the brakes may indicate disc lipping or uneven wear that was hinted at in the earlier advisory. Tyre and wheel health also merit particular attention. The 2023 advisories flag cuts on the nearside front and rear tyre sidewalls, and the 2019 note on a slightly distorted front wheel suggests possible wheel‑runout. Examine the tyre tread depth and sidewall integrity for any progression of the cuts, and feel for vibrations or pulling at speed that could betray an out‑of‑round wheel or mis‑alignment. Verify that the headlamp aim has been corrected and that the lights illuminate symmetrically, as the earlier failure was limited to the nearside headlamp being too high.