2010 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · RE60 AFO
2010 BMW 520 (2.0L, diesel). First registered 01 Nov 2010. Recorded mileage 159,527 miles. MOT expired on 31 Jan 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 520
- Year / Origin
- 2010 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 31 Jan 2026
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Apr 2025)
- Recorded Mileage
- 159,527 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
RE60 AFO Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 14/01/2025
- 159,527 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
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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RE60 AFO Mileage History
- 13/01/2022145,011 mi
- 24/01/2023150,218 mi+5,207 mi
- 24/01/2023150,218 mi
- 17/01/2024155,218 mi+5,000 mi
- 14/01/2025159,527 mi+4,309 mi
Average of roughly 4,833 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
RE60 AFO 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 2010 BMW 520 (RE60 AFO) between January 2022 and January 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 14 January 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (7 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 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.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Approach with caution. This 2010 BMW 520
Given the vehicle's age of around 15 years and mileage exceeding 159,000 miles, a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a BMW specialist is essential rather than relying on the MOT record alone. The 2.0-litre N47 diesel engine is known for timing chain stretch issues, so request evidence of any chain replacement and check for cold-start rattle carefully. Negotiate hard on the basis of the high mileage and the recurring advisories — particularly the persistent oil leak, which has appeared on two consecutive tests and could indicate valve cover gasket or sump seal issues that warrant investigation.
When viewing, ask for any service history documentation and check that cambelt or chain intervals have been observed. Diesel particulate filter (DPF) condition should be assessed if the car has been used predominantly for short trips, as regeneration issues are common on high-mileage BMW diesels. Inspect the alloys and bodywork closely, as the tyres flagged as worn close to the legal limit on three of the four recorded tests suggest the previous keeper may not have replaced them promptly — a useful negotiating point.
The 2.0-litre diesel engine in the F10-generation 520d typically returns around 55-65 mpg on a mix of motorway and urban driving, making it economical for long-distance use. Road tax for a 2010 diesel of this size sits in a moderately high bracket, and London residents should check for ULEZ compliance — many 2010 diesels do not meet Euro 5 emissions standards without modification. Insurance for a 520d typically falls in group 30-35, which is moderate to high.
Annual maintenance on a high-mileage BMW diesel tends to be higher than average, with services commonly costing £200-£400 depending on whether you use a main dealer or independent specialist. Budget for replacement suspension components given the recurring advisories, and expect tyre replacement more frequently than average. Estimated annual running cost: £2,200-£2,800.
The MOT history flags persistent issues that warrant close physical inspection. The nearside rear tyre and offside front suspension arm bush have appeared as advisories across consecutive tests (2022, 2023, and 2024), suggesting these components have not been replaced despite being flagged — have a specialist assess remaining wear on all suspension arms, bushes, and ball joints. The offside front suspension arm ball joint showing slight play in 2024 should be checked urgently, as this can deteriorate quickly.
The oil leak noted as 'not excessive' in both 2023 and 2024 tests should be traced to its source — common culprits on the N47 engine include the front and rear crankshaft seals, valve cover gasket, and oil filter housing. Also inspect the headlamp alignment, as the 2023 failure was due to nearside aim being too high, which can indicate damaged adjusters or a previous minor impact. Finally, given the model's top MOT failure reasons include shock absorbers and brake pads alongside tyres, all four corners of the braking and suspension system deserve a thorough check.
This black BMW 520d, first registered in November 2010, has accumulated 159,527 miles over approximately 15 years — well above the model's average annual mileage of 8,686. The MOT record spans four tests, with one failure in January 2023 (related to headlamp aim) and three passes that nevertheless carried multiple advisories. Recurring issues around suspension components, oil leaks, and tyre wear point to a vehicle that has seen sustained use without addressing wear items proactively.
Based on aggregate data from over 90,000 vehicles, the BMW 520 achieves an MOT pass rate of 82.8%, which is below the UK average. The most common failure reasons — tyres, shock absorbers, and brake pads — align with the issues observed in this specific car's MOT record.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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