2004 BMW 525 2.5L Petrol · RY04 PFE

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend regarding suspension and braking system components. The most recent test in February 2026 at 195,850 miles identified corrosion on the rear brake pipe and wear in front suspension bushes. While these did not result in a failure, they represent a progression from the minor bushing wear noted in previous years. The shift from deteriorated dust covers to corroded piping suggests that metal components are reaching the end of their service life. The mileage pattern remains consistent with a 22-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 9,000 miles per year. There is a significant gap of 13,000 miles recorded between December 2023 and January 2025, followed by a rapid accumulation of over 8,000 miles in the fourteen months leading up to the February 2026 test. This recent increase in usage suggests the car is currently being driven more frequently than previously, which explains the accelerated wear on rubber components and mechanical joints typical of a high-mileage chassis. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the front suspension geometry, as the anti-roll bar linkages and arm bushes have been flagged across multiple tests. The tester specifically noted play in the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage in the latest 2026 entry. The corroded rear brake pipe requires immediate attention to prevent a sudden fluid loss, as the presence of grease often masks deeper structural degradation. Given the previous failure for parking brake efficiency in early 2025, the buyer should verify the handbrake is fully adjusted and the calipers are not binding or seizing on the offside rear.