BMW 520d MOT Check

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

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94.5%

Avg Pass Rate

+4.6%

vs BMW Avg

Year Ranges

Excellent

Reliability

BMW 520d — MOT Reliability Overview

The BMW 520d has an average MOT pass rate of 94.5%, which is 4.6 percentage points above the BMW brand average of 89.9%. This is a strong result, indicating that the 520d is well-engineered and tends to age well mechanically. Owners can expect fewer surprises at MOT time.

Typical mileage for the 520d is around 94,080 miles at 5 years. When evaluating a used 520d, 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 520d, 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 520d performs at MOT across different model years.

2020

Based on 51 vehicles

100.0%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 5yr

129k mi

2019

Based on 70 vehicles

94.3%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 5yr

115k mi

2018

Based on 109 vehicles

97.2%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

2017

Based on 177 vehicles

97.7%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

2016

Based on 84 vehicles

95.2%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 10yr

198k mi

2015

Based on 123 vehicles

95.1%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 10yr

192k mi

2014

Based on 129 vehicles

97.7%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 5yr

140k mi

Mileage at 10yr

215k mi

2013

Based on 150 vehicles

97.3%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 3yr

68k mi

Mileage at 5yr

94k mi

Mileage at 10yr

209k mi

2012

Based on 106 vehicles

96.2%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 5yr

128k mi

2011

Based on 140 vehicles

94.3%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 5yr

175k mi

2010

Based on 61 vehicles

96.7%Excellent

BMW average: 89.9%

0

Based on 11 vehicles

72.7%Average

BMW average: 89.9%

Mileage at 5yr

76k mi

Typical Mileage — BMW 520d

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

At 3 Years

67,915

miles

At 5 Years

94,080

miles

At 10 Years

209,195

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 520d

BMW 520d — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the BMW 520d MOT and reliability.

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

The average MOT pass rate for the BMW 520d is 94.5% 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 520d?

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

Is the BMW 520d reliable?

With an average MOT pass rate of 94.5%, the BMW 520d 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 520d?

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 520d?

Typical mileage for the BMW 520d: 128,718 miles at 5 years. Use these benchmarks when evaluating a used 520d to spot vehicles with unusually high or low mileage.

Check Your BMW 520d's MOT History

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