BMW 520 D MOT Check

MOT pass rates, common failures, and reliability data for the BMW 520 D. Check any 520 D by registration number below.

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95.7%

Avg Pass Rate

+5.8%

vs BMW Avg

Year Ranges

Excellent

Reliability

BMW 520 D — MOT Reliability Overview

The BMW 520 D has an average MOT pass rate of 95.7%, which is 5.8 percentage points above the BMW brand average of 89.9%. This is a strong result, indicating that the 520 D is well-engineered and tends to age well mechanically. Owners can expect fewer surprises at MOT time.

Typical mileage for the 520 D is around 165,388 miles at 5 years. When evaluating a used 520 D, compare the odometer reading against these benchmarks. Significantly lower mileage than expected could indicate a clocked vehicle — run a free mileage check to verify.

Before buying a used BMW 520 D, we recommend checking the full MOT history, write-off status, outstanding finance, and stolen vehicle status. These checks can be done for free using the registration number.

MOT Pass Rate by Year

How the BMW 520 D performs at MOT across different model years.

2019

Based on 75 vehicles

97.3%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 5yr

135k mi

2018

Based on 113 vehicles

99.1%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 5yr

119k mi

2017

Based on 163 vehicles

98.2%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

2016

Based on 115 vehicles

90.4%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 10yr

228k mi

2015

Based on 166 vehicles

99.4%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 10yr

213k mi

2014

Based on 214 vehicles

98.1%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 5yr

137k mi

Mileage at 10yr

210k mi

2013

Based on 362 vehicles

96.4%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 3yr

112k mi

Mileage at 5yr

165k mi

Mileage at 10yr

212k mi

2012

Based on 545 vehicles

95.6%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 3yr

56k mi

Mileage at 5yr

113k mi

2011

Based on 693 vehicles

93.4%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 3yr

93k mi

Mileage at 5yr

152k mi

2010

Based on 327 vehicles

97.2%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 5yr

86k mi

2009

Based on 211 vehicles

94.8%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 5yr

160k mi

Mileage at 10yr

211k mi

2008

Based on 271 vehicles

94.1%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 10yr

202k mi

2007

Based on 220 vehicles

94.1%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 10yr

241k mi

2006

Based on 185 vehicles

97.3%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

2001

Based on 50 vehicles

90.0%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

2000

Based on 58 vehicles

96.6%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Typical Mileage — BMW 520 D

Average mileage readings recorded at MOT tests for the 2013 model year range. Use these benchmarks to evaluate a used 520 D.

At 3 Years

111,578

miles

At 5 Years

165,388

miles

At 10 Years

211,553

miles

Other BMW Models

Compare MOT reliability across BMW models.

BMW 420d Xdrive M Sport Mhev Auto

90.4% pass rate

BMW X2 Sdrive18d Sport

87.3% pass rate

BMW X2 Sdrive18d M Sport X Auto

87.0% pass rate

BMW 550

82.4% pass rate

BMW 316 I

89.0% pass rate

BMW 540i Xdrive M Sport Mhev Auto

75.6% pass rate

Useful MOT Guides

Common MOT Failures

The most common reasons UK vehicles fail their MOT — and how to prepare.

MOT Checklist

Pre-MOT checklist to improve your chances of passing first time.

Advisory vs Failure

Understanding the difference between MOT advisories and failures.

See detailed fault analysis for BMW 520 D

BMW 520 D — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the BMW 520 D MOT and reliability.

What is the MOT pass rate for the BMW 520 D?

The average MOT pass rate for the BMW 520 D is 95.7% compared to the BMW average of 89.9%. Pass rates vary by year — check the year-by-year breakdown on this page for details.

What are the most common MOT failures on a BMW 520 D?

Check the detailed breakdown on this page for specific failure data by year range.

Is the BMW 520 D reliable?

With an average MOT pass rate of 95.7%, the BMW 520 D is rated as "Excellent" for reliability. This is a strong result suggesting good build quality and fewer common defects.

How do I check the MOT history of a BMW 520 D?

Enter the vehicle's registration number in the search box at the top of this page. You will instantly see the complete MOT history including every test result, mileage readings, advisories, and dangerous defects — completely free.

What mileage should I expect on a BMW 520 D?

Typical mileage for the BMW 520 D: 135,167 miles at 5 years. Use these benchmarks when evaluating a used 520 D to spot vehicles with unusually high or low mileage.

Check Your BMW 520 D's MOT History

Enter the registration number for the full MOT history — free and instant.