2014 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · TS14 TES
2014 BMW 520 (2.0L, diesel). First registered 27 Mar 2014. Recorded mileage 128,853 miles. MOT valid until 07 May 2027. Taxed until 01 Jan 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- BMW 520
- Year / Origin
- 2014
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 07 May 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jan 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 128,853 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
TS14 TES Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 09/05/2026
- 128,853 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
TS14 TES MOT History
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 2014 BMW 520 (TS14 TES) between September 2022 and May 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 09 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Steering (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Tyre(s) of different sizes are fitted on the same axle. (5.2.3 (b))”; “Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))”.
TS14 TES Mileage History
- 09/09/202275,780 mi
- 03/11/2023106,662 mi+30,882 mi
- 09/12/2024128,825 mi+22,163 mi
- 09/12/2024128,826 mi+1 mi
- 09/05/2026128,853 mi+27 mi
Average of roughly 14,488 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
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.
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2014 BMW 520d is worth considering
Given that this BMW 520d is now a 12-year-old diesel exec with over 128,000 miles, treat any asking price with realistic expectations. The December 2024 failure listed a track rod end ball joint with excessive play — confirm with the seller that this has been properly replaced with a quality part, and ask for the invoice. A separate advisory from 2022 flagged the nearside front track rod end dust cover as damaged; check whether the joint itself was replaced at the time, as a worn joint can recur. The mismatch tyre sizes on the front axle noted at the same test is a minor issue but suggests the previous owner may have prioritised convenience over correct specification — verify matching tyres are now fitted.
For a diesel 520d of this age and mileage, ask about timing chain history (a known concern on the N47 engine), turbo condition, and EGR valve operation. Inspect oil level and colour on a cold start, and listen for any chain rattle. Check for oil leaks around the sump, oil filter housing, and injector seals. Request evidence of recent major service items including brake fluid, coolant, and any EGR/intake cleaning, as these directly affect long-term reliability.
The 2.0-litre 1995cc diesel engine in this 520d typically returns 55-65 mpg on a mixed cycle, giving excellent touring economy though owners often see lower figures in town. Road tax for a 2014 520d sits in a reasonable band for the era, and insurance is usually group 30-35 depending on specification. Routine maintenance including oil service, brake fluid change and annual inspection typically costs £300-£600 at an independent BMW specialist, less than a main dealer. The 2.0-litre diesel is generally cheaper to maintain than the larger six-cylinder variants.
The annual mileage of around 10,000-11,000 miles per year based on the data suggests this has been used as a fairly high-mileage commuter. Budget around £800-£1,200 per year for combined fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance, though this can rise if wear items such as tyres, brakes, or suspension components need attention. Diesel-specific costs like AdBlue top-ups and DPF maintenance should also be kept in mind.
The 2024 failure cited a track rod end ball joint with excessive play on the nearside front — this is a steering component that affects both safety and MOT outcome. Inspect both front track rod ends for any play, looseness or worn boots, and check the condition of the front tyres for even wear patterns which can indicate alignment or suspension issues. The 2022 advisories noted worn front brake discs on both sides and thin rear brake pads; check pad and disc thickness across all four corners. The rear prop shaft flexible coupling was also flagged, so listen for vibration or clonks at low speed and during gear changes, particularly on a test drive.
Beyond the MOT record, the 2.0-litre N47 diesel engine is known for timing chain stretch on higher-mileage examples, so listen for any rattle on cold start and check for chain-related fault codes. Examine the underside for oil leaks from the sump gasket, oil filter housing, and injector seals. Given the above-average mileage for the model, pay particular attention to clutch feel, gearbox smoothness, and any signs of dual-mass flywheel wear. Finally, check the rear tyres for cracking between the tread, as this was flagged in 2022 and is common on cars that sit for long periods or cover mixed mileage.
This silver BMW 520d, first registered in March 2014, has covered 128,853 miles across five recorded MOT tests, with a current mileage that sits noticeably above the model average of 8,752 annual miles. Four of the five tests passed with no defects, but one failure in December 2024 flagged a track rod end ball joint with excessive play — a steering component. The intervening advisories in 2022 covered brake discs, brake pads, prop shaft coupling and tyres, suggesting typical mid-life wear items. Overall, the record is mixed: predominantly clean but with one genuine safety-related failure.
The BMW 520d has an MOT pass rate of 82.8% across 90,826 vehicles analysed, placing it broadly in line with the average for executive saloons of its era, though the 2.0-litre diesel is generally regarded as less problematic than the older six-cylinder variants.
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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