2009 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · RO59 MKA

The latest MOT test on 2025-12-02 resulted in a passing outcome, though it did reveal several advisories that warrant careful consideration. The overall maintenance trend appears stable, with no repeated failures or critical defects beyond the noted advisories, though the presence of persistent issues—such as rear suspension arm wear, front anti-roll bar linkage deterioration, and brake disc pitting—suggests that the vehicle has been subjected to moderate to significant usage over its long service life. The absence of any major failures since 2022 indicates that while wear is present, the car remains roadworthy and does not currently pose an immediate safety risk. However, the recurring advisories, particularly those related to suspension components and brake systems, indicate that the vehicle has been driven with some degree of regularity and stress, which is typical for a car of this age and mileage. The recorded mileage of 152,211 miles for a vehicle originally built in 2009 represents an average of approximately 8,954 miles per year, which is consistent with the expected usage for a car of this class and age. The mileage accumulation does not appear to be unusually high or low, though the gaps between MOT tests—particularly the absence of defects in 2020 and 2019—could suggest periods of reduced or stationary use, which may have contributed to minor issues like tyre wear patterns or standing corrosion. For a car with this level of mileage, the suspension and braking systems are likely to have experienced cumulative wear, with advisories such as worn suspension bushes and pitted brake discs indicating that these components have been subjected to repeated loading cycles. The oil leak and flex joint blow further suggest that fluid integrity and sealing systems may require attention to prevent long-term damage. To proceed with a thorough inspection, the prospective buyer should prioritise checking the suspension for excessive play or clunking noises, particularly around the rear lower arms and anti-roll bar linkages, which may indicate further wear or bush failure. During a test drive, listen for uneven tyre wear, which could correlate with the advisories of rear tyres worn on edges, and monitor for brake pulsation or shudder, as the pitted brake discs may lead to reduced grip or uneven stopping performance. Inspect the rear tyres for signs of dry rot or cracking, especially given the history of near-legal wear limits, and verify that the tread depth is above 3mm to ensure compliance and safety. The oil leak should be addressed promptly to prevent contamination of the drivetrain or overpressure of the engine, while the flex joint blow may require replacement to mitigate exhaust emissions risks and potential catalytic converter damage. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, a comprehensive physical inspection should also include a check of the brake system for corrosion or binding calipers, which can occur when the vehicle stands for prolonged periods without use. Inspect the brake discs for signs of warping or glazing, which may exacerbate the pitting observed in the MOT history, and verify that the brake pads have sufficient material remaining. The 12V battery should be tested for voltage output and overall health, as older cars are more susceptible to failure from prolonged disuse or internal corrosion. Additionally, examine the exhaust system for signs of rust or structural integrity, particularly around the flex joints, and check for any unusual noises or backpressure, which could indicate further issues with the flex joint or downstream components. Finally, given the vehicle’s age, a review of the service history for fluid changes—such as brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil—is essential, as these fluids degrade over time even without mileage accumulation, and should be replaced according to BMW’s recommended intervals to maintain performance and prevent premature component failure.