MOT failure data · 2025
BMW 520 MOT problems
Across every BMW 520 that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was coil spring fractured or broken, on 8.58% of failure items. The broadest problem area was suspension at 25.06%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.
Most common BMW 520 MOT failures
| # | Recorded defect | Area | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coil spring fractured or broken | Suspension | 8.58% |
| 2 | Tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 8.26% |
| 3 | Condition has ply or cords exposed | Tyres | 5.58% |
| 4 | Position lamp not working | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.84% |
| 5 | Ball joint ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.6% |
| 6 | Condition has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 3.54% |
| 7 | Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 3.45% |
| 8 | Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 3.4% |
| 9 | Pins and bushes pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 2.67% |
| 10 | Track rod end ball joint has excessive play | Steering | 2.62% |
Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 10 is not shown.
What this means if you are buying one
Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a BMW 520, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.
The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used BMW 520 buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.
Checking a specific BMW 520?
Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.
Other BMW models
- BMW 3 Series MOT problems
- BMW 118 MOT problems
- BMW X1 MOT problems
- BMW X3 MOT problems
- BMW 116 MOT problems
- BMW X5 MOT problems
BMW 520 MOT FAQs
What does a BMW 520 most commonly fail its MOT on?
The single most recorded defect on BMW 520 cars failing their 2025 MOT was "coil spring fractured or broken", appearing on 8.58% of failure items.
Does this mean my BMW 520 will fail?
No. This is what testers recorded across every BMW 520 that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The BMW 520 passed 81.01% of its initial tests.
How do I see a specific BMW 520's MOT history?
Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.
See also: BMW 520 MOT pass rate · used BMW 520 buying guide · free MOT history check
Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.