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Official DVLA Record

1999 BMW 523 2.5L Petrol · V828 DLM

V828 DLM

1999 BMW 523 (2.5L, petrol). First registered 01 Oct 1999. Recorded mileage 275,255 miles. MOT expired on 05 Sept 2024. Currently declared SORN.

Make & Model
BMW 523
Year / Origin
1999 · Worcester
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 05 Sept 2024
Road Tax
SORN
Recorded Mileage
275,255 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
PETROL · 2.5L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 05 Sept 2024
Tax Status
SORN
Statutory Off Road (SORN)
Fuel Type
PETROL
Year
1999
Engine
2494cc
Mechanical Assessment

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

The MOT record for this 1999 BMW 523 shows a fluctuating pattern of compliance, though the most recent history suggests a stabilizing trend. The vehicle passed its last two tests on 2023-08-16 and 2022-09-07 without any recorded defects. This follows two separate failures in 2021 and 2022, where the vehicle failed on 2021-09-03 and 2022-09-07 before subsequently passing. While the absence of recent advisories is a positive indicator of current compliance, the previous failures indicate a history of non-compliance that required rectification to meet minimum standards. The vehicle has covered 275,255 miles over its approximately 27-year lifespan, averaging roughly 10,195 miles per year. This mileage accumulation is consistent with typical annual usage for a vehicle of this age. The MOT data provided does not show specific mileage increments for each annual test, making it impossible to track precise rates of wear or identify periods of extended stationary use. However, the recorded mileage confirms a high-use vehicle which typically places greater demand on mechanical components. A prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and underside for signs of structural corrosion, as high-mileage vehicles from this era are susceptible to rust in the sills and floor pans. Given the history of failures in 2021 and 2022, a detailed check of the suspension system, including bushes, ball joints, and coil springs, is necessary to ensure no recurring issues exist. The braking system should also be examined for binding calipers or worn discs, alongside a check of the exhaust system for excessive corrosion or leaks. buying_score: 65 risk_level: Medium.
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V828 DLM Key Findings

  • 3 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 16/08/2023
  • 275,255 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT
  • Recurring brakes items (2 mentions)

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

V828 DLM MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 29 Aug 2026, 17:56
MOT Analysis

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

3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1999 BMW 523 (V828 DLM) between September 2022 and August 2023.

The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 16 August 2023 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: Brakes (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Bodywork (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 6 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 Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

V828 DLM Mileage History

  1. 07/09/2022273,602 mi
  2. 07/09/2022273,602 mi
  3. 16/08/2023275,255 mi+1,653 mi

Average of roughly 1,759 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
45
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average

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.

MOT Expired or Failed
Tax Status Unknown
Average MOT pass rate (67%)
Older vehicle
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Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

Checks the UK insurance total loss register for Category A, B, S, or N write-offs.

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Write-Off Category & Date: [Check to Reveal]
MIAFTR Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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Country of Origin Audit: [Check to Reveal]
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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

Customs & Export Register: [Query Required]
UK Road Eligibility Marker: [Check to Reveal]
Export Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

Scrappage & ATF Register: [Query Required]
Disposal Notification Check: [Check to Reveal]
Scrappage Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

Certificate of Destruction Register: [Query Required]
Statutory Scrapping Decrees: [Check to Reveal]
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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

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

Buying Score
62/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,400-£1,800
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 275,255 is subst...

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution and thorough mechanical inspection. While the most recent MOTs are clean, the vehicle's high mileage and the model's known failure patterns require careful scrutiny.

Given the 275,255 miles recorded, your primary focus should be on mechanical longevity rather than cosmetic perfection. Request a detailed service history to see how the 2.5L petrol engine has been maintained over its long life.

Because this specific vehicle has a history of MOT failures (though no specific defect types were recorded in the data), you should negotiate based on the potential for upcoming maintenance. Prioritise checking the suspension components and chassis integrity, as these are common issues for this model.

Running costs for this 2494cc petrol BMW will be higher than a modern equivalent. Expect higher fuel consumption due to the engine size and age, alongside potentially higher insurance groups depending on the driver profile.

Maintenance costs on a vehicle of this age and mileage can be unpredictable. While parts for older BMWs are widely available, labour costs for complex repairs on a 1999 model can be significant. Budget for regular upkeep of suspension and cooling systems.

You must pay close attention to the underside of the vehicle. Aggregate data for this model identifies anti-roll bars, coil springs, and corrosion as the top MOT failure reasons. Even though the recent records show no defects, these are known weak points that should be checked physically.

Additionally, inspect the engine bay for any signs of oil leaks and check the condition of all rubber hoses and belts. Given the high mileage, listen for any unusual noises from the suspension or drivetrain during a test drive to ensure no underlying issues are present that were not captured in the MOT testing.

This 1999 BMW 523 is a high-mileage example, having covered 275,255 miles as of its last MOT in August 2023. While the two most recent MOT tests show no recorded defects, the vehicle has historically required re-tests following failures in 2021 and 2022. The mileage is significantly higher than the model average of 4,766 miles per year.

Aggregate data from 3,388 analysed vehicles shows a 76.9% average MOT pass rate, with common failures linked to anti-roll bars, coil springs, and corrosion.

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