2004 BMW 520 2.2L Petrol · PR51 CLR

The most recent DVSA examination on 9 June 2026 resulted in a PASS, although two advisories were recorded concerning the offside front suspension arm pin or bush and slight play in both inner steering arms at the front. The broader MOT history indicates that this vehicle has passed every test since at least 2023, including the 2025 examination which was entirely free of advisories, suggesting that routine maintenance has been broadly sustained. However, the reappearance of suspension bush wear advisories in 2024 and again in 2026, alongside the recorded steering arm play, suggests a gradual deterioration in the front suspension and steering geometry rather than a one-off issue. The previous failure in July 2023, attributed to a fractured offside rear coil spring, was clearly rectified, but the continuing oil leak advisories from 2023 through 2024 indicate a persistent but non-critical sealing issue that warrants monitoring. Overall, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable but with a slowly worsening pattern in chassis components and minor fluid losses. With 148,739 miles recorded over approximately 22 years, this equates to an annual average of around 6,761 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and represents steady, moderate use rather than excessive mileage accumulation or prolonged periods of standing. The relatively even spread of MOT tests across recent years, with no lengthy gaps, supports this conclusion. That said, a 22 year old BMW 5 Series with this mileage will have accrued wear on major mechanical assemblies beyond what the MOT alone can reveal, and the moderate annual usage means the vehicle has likely been driven regularly enough to keep seals lubricated but has still experienced considerable cumulative wear on suspension, braking, and drivetrain components. The recurring advisories regarding front and rear lower suspension arm pins and bushes, combined with the most recent advisory concerning inner steering arm play, point to progressive wear in the front and rear suspension linkage. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, and pay particular attention to vague or wandering steering responses, uneven front tyre wear such as inner-edge feathering, and any vibration through the steering wheel. The inner steering arm play noted in 2026 should be evaluated by a specialist, as worn inner tie rod ends can compromise steering precision and safety. The previously fractured rear coil spring is also worth re-examining, as coil springs on this generation of BMW are known to fail due to corrosion fatigue; listen for any rear-end clonking over bumps and inspect the spring pans for visible rust. The persistent oil leak advisories, recorded in both 2023 and 2024, should be traced to their source, commonly valve cover gaskets or oil filter housing gaskets on the M54 engine, and the current underside should be inspected for fresh oil residue and weeping seals. Beyond the recorded defects, a prospective buyer of a 22 year old vehicle should carry out additional age-related inspections regardless of the MOT outcome. Tyres, although not currently flagged, should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing, as rubber degrades with calendar age even when tread depth remains adequate. Brake discs, which may have developed corrosion ridges or lipping from intermittent or gentle use, should be inspected for binding calipers by feeling for residual heat after a short drive and checking for uneven pad wear. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, as batteries typically require replacement every five to seven years, and a weak unit can cause electrical faults that mimic more serious concerns. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual gearbox oil should be considered for replacement on a time rather than mileage basis, as degradation occurs regardless of use. Finally, verify the service book history for regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals, and inspect thoroughly for corrosion around the wheel arches, jacking points, and underbody structural members, which are common MOT failure areas for vehicles of this age and could become significant expenditure if left unchecked.