2016 BMW 520 2.0L Petrol · SD10 AAA

The 2.0-litre petrol BMW 520 typically returns around 45-50 mpg on a motorway run and 30-35 mpg in mixed driving, though real-world figures vary. Annual road tax for a 2016 petrol of this engine size sits in a moderate band, and insurance is likely to be in group 30-35 depending on the driver's history. A 2.0-litre petrol engine of this size should be relatively economical for a premium executive saloon, but parts and specialist labour costs remain higher than for mainstream brands.

Typical maintenance costs include brake pad and disc replacements, tyre changes, and oil services at BMW-specification intervals. Annual servicing at a BMW specialist or main dealer tends to cost £250-500, with major items such as timing chains or clutch work being considerably more expensive if needed. Budget around £800-£1,200 annually for combined fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance on this vehicle.

The lower-than-average mileage for this model suggests less wear on consumables than typical, which may keep near-term servicing costs down. However, the 2.0-litre petrol engine requires premium unleaded fuel and benefits from regular high-quality oil changes to maintain long-term reliability.

Given that front shock absorber gaiter splits were flagged on both nearside and offside front in 2021 and 2022, these components should be physically inspected for damage, deterioration, or evidence of recent replacement. Stretched or perished gaiters can allow water and grit into the shock absorber, leading to more expensive strut replacement if ignored. Jack the car up and check the gaiters with a torch, paying close attention to any oil staining on the surrounding suspension components.

The model data indicates that tyres, shock absorbers, and brake pads are the three most common MOT failure reasons for the BMW 5 Series. Inspect all four tyres for even tread wear across the axle — uneven wear can indicate alignment, tracking, or suspension geometry issues. Check brake pad thickness through the wheels and look for scored or lipped brake discs, which would suggest the pads have been left to wear too low.

General inspection points for a 2016 BMW 520 with 51,900 miles include coolant and oil condition, condition of the timing chain on starting from cold, and a thorough scan for any warning lights on the dashboard. Check that all electrical functions work, including infotainment, climate control, and seat memory settings, as electrical gremlins are not unusual on premium executive cars of this vintage. A test drive should cover motorway speeds, town driving, and a bumpy road section to expose any suspension noises or vibrations.