1989 BMW 520i Se Auto MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 520i Se Auto models manufactured in 1989, based on 35 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1989 BMW 520i Se Auto MOT Analysis
The 1989 BMW 520i Se Auto has an MOT pass rate of 37.1% based on 35 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 135,499 miles on the odometer. With a 62.9% failure rate, the 1989 520i Se Auto is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 BMW 520i Se Auto is Suspension, responsible for 11.4% of failures. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs range from £200–500. Tyres is the second most common issue at 2.9%. Driver's View of the Road follows at 2.9%.
Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall 520i Se Auto page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 11.4% | 4 |
| 2 | Tyres | 2.9% | 1 |
| 3 | Driver's View Of The Road | 2.9% | 1 |
| 4 | Registration Plates And Vin | 2.9% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 135,499 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.84 | 11.4% | 4 |
| Tyres | 0.21 | 2.9% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.21 | 2.9% | 1 |
| Registration Plates and VIN | 0.21 | 2.9% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 BMW 520i Se Auto has an MOT pass rate of 37.1% based on 35 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 135,499 miles on the odometer. With a 62.9% failure rate, the 1989 520i Se Auto is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 BMW 520i Se Auto, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to suspension: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks. With an average mileage of 135,499 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Suspension — 11.4% of failures
Suspension issues account for 11.4% of MOT failures on 1989 BMW 520i Se Auto models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Tyres — 2.9% of failures
Tyres issues account for 2.9% of MOT failures on 1989 BMW 520i Se Auto models. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per tyre. Pre-MOT check: Check tread depth with a 20p coin — if the outer band is visible, the tyre is too worn. Look for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Ensure all tyres match the recommended size and load rating.
Driver's View of the Road — 2.9% of failures
Driver's View of the Road issues account for 2.9% of MOT failures on 1989 BMW 520i Se Auto models. Driver's View of the Road issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.