1996 BMW 5 Series 2.5L Petrol · P626 BJB
1996 BMW 5 Series (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Dec 1996. Recorded mileage 211,227 miles. MOT status: Failed. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- BMW 5 SERIES
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Preston
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Failed
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 211,227 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 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.
P626 BJB Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 23/05/2022
- 211,227 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
P626 BJB 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 (P626 BJB) between May 2022 and May 2022.
The record contains 0 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 23 May 2022 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (4 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 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: “Nearside Front Tyre fouling a part of the vehicle (5.2.3 (f))”; “Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))”; “Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))”.
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: Poor
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.
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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.
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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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