1996 BMW 5 Series 2.8L Petrol · P251 RJD
1996 BMW 5 Series (2.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Aug 1996. Recorded mileage 128,715 miles. MOT expired on 25 Jul 2009.
- Make & Model
- BMW 5 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 25 Jul 2009
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Aug 2009)
- Recorded Mileage
- 128,715 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.8L
- 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.
P251 RJD Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 26/07/2008
- 128,715 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P251 RJD 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 1996 BMW 5 Series (P251 RJD) between May 2006 and July 2008.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 26 July 2008 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: Brakes (4 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
Recorded failure items include: “Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)”; “Front Steering system excessively rough (2.2.D.1)”; “Offside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)”.
P251 RJD Mileage History
- 20/05/2006184,097 mi
- 22/05/2006184,189 mi+92 mi
- 22/05/2007194,714 mi+10,525 mi
- 23/05/2007194,714 mi
- 26/07/2008128,715 mi-65,999 mi
Average of roughly -25,352 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
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: 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.
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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 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.
- V8 Timing Chain Guide FailureSerious
On 540i models, the U-shaped plastic timing chain guide shatters, leading to potential engine destruction if the chain jumps.
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