2012 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · RF12 UUR
2012 BMW 520 (2.0L, diesel). First registered 01 Aug 2012. Recorded mileage 181,478 miles. MOT expired on 22 Jan 2025. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 520
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Expired on 22 Jan 2025
- Road Tax
- Untaxed (01 Nov 2024)
- Recorded Mileage
- 181,478 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.
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.
RF12 UUR Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 16/01/2024
- 181,478 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RF12 UUR MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 BMW 520 (RF12 UUR) between September 2021 and January 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 4 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues). 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.
RF12 UUR Mileage History
- 03/09/2021161,886 mi
- 23/01/2023171,787 mi+9,901 mi
- 16/01/2024181,478 mi+9,691 mi
Average of roughly 8,272 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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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.
Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution due to the high mil
Given the high mileage of over 181,000 miles, your primary focus should be on the service history. Specifically, check for evidence of timing chain maintenance and turbocharger inspections, which are critical for this 1995cc diesel engine at this stage of its life.
During a test drive, listen for any unusual engine noise or vibrations that could indicate wear in the drivetrain. Negotiate based on the high mileage and the fact that the vehicle has required several advisories and repairs for consumables like tyres and brakes in recent years. Ensure any recent work, such as the tyre replacements implied by the 2023 MOT, has been documented.
As a 2.0L diesel, this BMW 520 is designed for efficient long-distance cruising, though actual fuel economy will depend heavily on maintenance and driving style. You should check the specific Euro emission standard to determine if it is subject to ULEZ or Clean Air Zone charges in your area.
Insurance groups for this model vary, so obtaining a quote is essential. Maintenance costs for a premium executive car like this can be higher than average, particularly for parts like brake discs and suspension components, which have appeared in the MOT history. Expect annual running costs to be influenced significantly by your yearly mileage.
Inspect the brake components thoroughly. The 2021 MOT recorded pitted front brake discs, so ensure the current discs and pads are in good condition and not showing signs of uneven wear.
Check the condition of all four tyres. The 2023 MOT highlighted both rear tyres being worn close to the legal limit, so verify that the current set has ample tread depth and is not wearing unevenly on the edges. Additionally, given the model's aggregate data, pay close attention to the shock absorbers and suspension components, as these are common failure points for this vehicle type.
This 2012 BMW 520 diesel has covered 181,478 miles as of its last MOT in January 2024, which is significantly higher than the model average of 8,686 miles per year. The MOT history shows a pattern of wear-related issues, including pitted brake discs in 2021 and tyre wear in 2023. Although the 2024 test recorded no defects, the cumulative mileage remains a primary consideration for any prospective buyer.
Aggregate data for this model shows an 82.8% MOT pass rate, with common issues involving tyres, shock absorbers, and brake pads.
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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