2012 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · YA12 ENX

This 2012 BMW 520 presents a generally sound MOT history with no recorded failures aside from a single minor wheel fixing issue, and the most recent test on 29 November 2025 was passed with no defects or advisories noted. That said, the advisory record is not entirely empty and merits close attention from a prospective buyer. The 2022 advisory noting play in the nearside steering rack inner joint is the most mechanically significant item on file, as steering rack wear on an E60-generation 5 Series is a known wear point that tends to progress gradually rather than present a sudden failure. The 2023 advisory for an offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge likewise points to either a wheel alignment irregularity or worn rear suspension geometry, both of which can accelerate outer-edge tyre wear disproportionately. Taken together, these two advisories form a coherent picture of consumable wear on the front and rear axles that a buyer should treat as a live concern rather than historical trivia, even though the subsequent 2024 and 2025 tests passed cleanly. Annual mileage of roughly 8,834 miles over the vehicle's 14-year life sits within the typical range for a car of this age, with no obvious extended off-road gaps in the testing record to suggest prolonged standing. The consistent year-on-year test entries from 2019 through 2025 indicate the vehicle has been in regular use, which is mechanically favourable for a BMW of this vintage because it reduces the risk of seized brake calipers, perished rubber boots, and stale fluids that commonly plague low-mileage or laid-up examples. That said, this mileage bracket means the engine, automatic transmission (if fitted), and drivetrain have accumulated typical wear for the model, and consumable items such as suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and engine mounts are likely to be approaching or past their service life. The single failure dated 2 December 2021 for a missing nearside rear road wheel fixing is a straightforward component issue rather than a mechanical defect, and a retest the same day produced a pass, so it carries no ongoing concern. With the steering rack joint advisory from 2022 being the standout item, the priority on any physical inspection should be a careful evaluation of steering feel and feedback. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking through the steering wheel when turning at low speed, particularly over uneven surfaces, as this can indicate that the previously noted inner joint wear has progressed. Feel for any vagueness, sloppiness, or self-centring irregularity in the steering, and pay particular attention to whether the front wheels respond crisply to initial inputs. With the 2023 tyre edge wear advisory, the rear suspension should be examined for worn trailing arm bushes, failed coil springs, or perished thrust arms, all of which are common E60 weak points and will manifest as uneven rear tyre wear, a sense of the rear end wandering over bumps, or visible sagging on one side when parked on level ground. Also inspect the offside rear wheel arch and surrounding bodywork for any signs of corrosion, as edge wear combined with the car's age makes rust a reasonable secondary concern. The earlier 2020 advisories for a damaged rear bumper and a damp nearside front headlamp are largely cosmetic and electrical concerns, but the headlamp moisture is worth confirming has not returned, as a persistent misting can indicate a failed headlamp seal or, in some cases, a leaking adjacent washer system. A buyer should also verify that the rear bumper damage is purely cosmetic and has not masked any underlying structural or wiring issues. Beyond the recorded items, a thorough pre-purchase inspection on a 123,678-mile 520d or 520i of this generation should include checking for oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing, inspecting the cooling system for perished hoses and water pump weepage, and confirming that the automatic gearbox (where fitted) shifts smoothly without flare or hesitation. Brake discs and pads, given the mileage, will almost certainly be due for replacement and should be inspected directly rather than assumed serviceable, as MOT brake testing only confirms minimum performance rather than remaining service life.