2013 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · S6 WTX

The most recent MOT test on 17 March 2026 resulted in a pass with two advisories recorded: the brake fluid was noted as close to the minimum mark, and the offside front brake pipe was found to be corroded within its plastic coating. Looking back through the full DVSA history, the vehicle has passed every annual test since 2019 without any failures, which is a positive overall indicator. However, the recurring nature of brake-related advisories across multiple years, combined with persistent tyre wear and perishing concerns, suggests that the maintenance trend is not deteriorating but rather reflects the natural consumable wear expected of a high-mileage executive saloon. The cluster of brake pad, disc, and pipe advisories in successive tests indicates that while the vehicle remains roadworthy, the braking system is a key area that demands ongoing attention and likely some near-term remedial work. With a recorded mileage of 151,226 miles over approximately 13 years of age, this BMW 520 has covered an average of around 11,633 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age class and consistent with regular mixed-use driving. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history to suggest prolonged periods of standing, and the mileage progression between tests appears steady and progressive, indicating the car has been in continuous service rather than left idle. This consistent usage pattern is mechanically favourable because regular driving helps prevent the issues commonly associated with low-mileage or stored vehicles, such as seized brake calipers, oil seal drying, and brake disc surface corrosion from standing. However, the higher accumulated mileage does place greater wear on major drivetrain and chassis components, and a buyer should expect that suspension bushes, coil springs, and timing chain components will have undergone considerable stress. Given the recurring brake-related advisories, a prospective buyer should undertake a focused inspection of the braking system, paying particular attention to the condition of the offside front brake pipe where internal corrosion has been flagged, as this could progress to a fluid leak if left unattended. During a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm application, which would indicate warped or excessively worn front discs, and feel for any pulling to one side that could suggest a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. Given the 2024 advisories concerning pitted and scored front brake discs, the discs may now be at or approaching minimum wear thickness, so a physical measurement check at a garage would be prudent, and replacement of both front discs and pads together is likely imminent. The most recent advisory noting brake fluid close to the minimum mark suggests that the fluid level has dropped, possibly due to pad wear compensation, but brake fluid should also be replaced on a calendar basis every two to three years regardless of mileage due to its hygroscopic nature absorbing moisture, which compromises braking performance and can cause internal corrosion within the brake system. Regarding tyres and general age-related concerns, the recurring advisories for tyre cracking and perishing, including as recently as February 2025, highlight that even tyres with adequate tread depth may be compromised by age-related sidewall deterioration on a thirteen-year-old vehicle. A buyer should closely inspect all four tyres, including the spare, for signs of sidewall perishing, cracking between the tread blocks, and uneven wear patterns, particularly inner-edge wear on the offside rear which was noted repeatedly and could indicate an underlying suspension geometry issue such as worn rear trailing arm bushes or a sagging coil spring. Additionally, given the vehicle's age, it would be sensible to verify the service history stamps to confirm that the timing chain, coolant, and automatic transmission fluid have been serviced at manufacturer-recommended intervals, and to check the 12V battery's state of health as batteries beyond five years of age are prone to failure. Finally, inspect the underbody and suspension components for any fluid leaks from the power steering system, oil filter housing, or valve cover gasket, which are common failure points on the N20 engine fitted to this era of BMW 5 Series, and test the operation of all electronic systems including iDrive functions, climate control, and electric seat adjustment to confirm full functionality before purchase.