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2012 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · SS51 AAS

SS51 AAS

2012 BMW 520 (2.0L, diesel). First registered 01/11/2012. Recorded mileage 112,839 miles. MOT valid until 28/08/2027. Taxed until 01/04/2027.

Make & Model
BMW 520
Year / Origin
2012 · Dundee
MOT Status
Valid until 28/08/2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01/04/2027)
Recorded Mileage
112,839 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
Fuel & Engine
DIESEL · 2.0L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 28/08/2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01/04/2027
Fuel Type
DIESEL
Year
2012
Engine
1995cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 13 August 2026, passing with two advisories and one minor defect. The tester flagged a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, a nearside front position lamp with reduced light intensity, and an engine oil leak that is not excessive. The three preceding tests from August 2023 to August 2025 recorded no defects, and the October 2022 test noted only an offside rear inner tyre worn close to the limit with cuts on the inner wall. The recent emergence of tyre wear, lamp output loss and an oil leak suggests the maintenance trend is stable overall but showing early signs of consumable and seal degradation. The car is 14 years old with 112,839 recorded miles, averaging roughly 8,060 miles per year, which is typical for this age and model. Annual test intervals have been consistent, each occurring in August apart from the October 2022 test, and no mileage anomalies appear in the record. The data is relatively sparse but shows regular annual presentation without long gaps or sudden spikes. A prospective buyer should examine the nearside front tyre for tread depth and edge wear, verify the position lamp output and wiring, and inspect the engine for the source of the oil leak, paying attention to the sump gasket, valve cover and turbo feed lines. The previous advisory on the offside rear inner tyre cuts warrants a check of that tyre’s sidewall integrity and the rear suspension geometry for alignment issues. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough underbody inspection for corrosion on brake lines, fuel lines and structural mounting points is advisable, even though no structural advisories have been recorded.

SS51 AAS Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 13/08/2026
  • 112,839 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
90
/ 100 · Excellent
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent

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.

✓ Valid MOT
✓ Taxed
✓ Exceptional MOT pass rate (100%)
! Older vehicle
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Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for SS51AAS

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Salvage
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Imported
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SS51 AAS Mileage History

  1. 21/10/202296,754 mi
  2. 30/08/2023100,104 mi+3,350 mi
  3. 05/08/2024101,841 mi+1,737 mi
  4. 25/08/2025104,507 mi+2,666 mi
  5. 13/08/2026112,839 mi+8,332 mi

Average of roughly 4,220 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

SS51 AAS MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: 30 Aug 2026, 13:22
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 BMW 520 (SS51 AAS) between October 2022 and August 2026.

The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.

The record shows no MOT failures, although 3 advisory notices note items to monitor.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 3 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.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
64/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,400-£1,800
Mileage
At 112,839 miles, this vehicle is signif...

Our Verdict

A cautious purchase for high-mileage buyers. While the vehicle has a period of clean MOT records, the most recent test reveals an oil leak and tyre-related issues that require immediate and further attention.

When inspecting this BMW 520, focus heavily on the oil leak reported in the August 2026 MOT. Although described as 'not excessive', you should determine if this is a minor gasket seal or a more significant issue that could indicate expensive repairs. Given the mileage, verify the full service history is present to ensure the 2.0 diesel engine has been maintained according to BMW's intervals.

Check the tyres thoroughly; the MOT history shows a pattern of uneven wear and damage (both in 2022 and 2026), which could suggest alignment issues or poor suspension component wear. Negotiate based on the immediate need for nearside front tyres and the potential cost of addressing the oil leak.

As a 2.0-litre diesel executive saloon, fuel economy should be relatively respectable for long motorway journeys, though tax and insurance will be higher than a smaller hatchback. You can expect an average fuel economy around 45-55 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions.

Maintenance costs for this model are typically above average due to the premium nature of BMW parts and the complexity of the engine. Annual running costs, including fuel, tax, and routine servicing, are estimated between £1,400 and £1,800.

Inspect the engine bay for signs of the oil leak noted in the most recent MOT. Look specifically for fresh oil around the valve cover or oil filter. Additionally, check the nearside front headlight; the reduced light intensity noted may indicate a wiring fault or a failing unit rather than just a simple bulb.

Examine the suspension and tyres. The MOT history records multiple instances of tyres worn to the edges or having cuts on the inner walls. This warrants a check for worn bushes, control arms, or incorrect alignment, which are common points of failure on the 5 Series at this mileage bracket.

This 2012 BMW 520 has covered 112,839 miles, which is significantly higher than the national average of approximately 8,677 miles per year. While it achieved three consecutive clean MOT tests between 2023 and 2025, the August 2026 test noted an engine oil leak and lighting issues. The vehicle presents a consistent history but shows signs of heavy use.

The 520d models from this era are generally considered robust, but high-mileage examples are prone to oil oilrelatedrelated leaks and suspension-related wear components.

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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