1996 BMW 5 Series 2.5L Diesel · N255 BFL
1996 BMW 5 Series (2.5L, diesel). First registered 15 Apr 1996. Recorded mileage 191,613 miles. MOT expired on 16 Apr 2025.
- Make & Model
- BMW 5 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 16 Apr 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 191,613 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- 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.
N255 BFL Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 18/04/2024
- 191,613 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 12 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
N255 BFL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 1996 BMW 5 Series (N255 BFL) between April 2024 and April 2024.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 10 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (4 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for BMW 5 Series (E39)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: 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.
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Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1996 model year cars.
- Cooling System "Explosion"Serious
Plastic radiators, expansion tanks, and water pump impellers fail with age. One overheating event can warp the aluminium head or blow the head gasket on straight-six and V8 models.
- Thrust Arm Bush Failure (50mph Shimmy)Moderate
The front suspension relies on large rubber hydro-bushes in the thrust arms. When these leak or tear, the car develops a severe vibration through the steering wheel.
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On 540i models, the U-shaped plastic timing chain guide shatters, leading to potential engine destruction if the chain jumps.
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