1996 BMW 520i Se Auto MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 520i Se Auto models manufactured in 1996, based on 200 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all 520i Se Auto cars tested in 1996. Want to see how cars built in 1996 hold up over time?
View 1996 BMW 520i Se Auto vintage page → (51.6% current pass rate)1996 BMW 520i Se Auto MOT Analysis
The 1996 BMW 520i Se Auto has an MOT pass rate of 49.0% based on 200 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 118,541 miles on the odometer. With a 51.0% failure rate, the 1996 520i Se Auto is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1996 BMW 520i Se Auto is Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment, responsible for 3.5% of failures. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs range from £5–50. Body, Structure and General Items is the second most common issue at 1.0%. Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems follows at 0.5%.
Top failures specific to 1996 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.
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| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 3.5% | 7 |
| 2 | Body, Structure And General Items | 1.0% | 2 |
| 3 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 0.5% | 1 |
| 4 | Tyres | 0.5% | 1 |
| 5 | Driver's View Of The Road | 0.5% | 1 |
| 6 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 0.5% | 1 |
| 7 | Non-component Advisories | 0.5% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 118,541 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.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.30 | 3.5% | 7 |
| Body & Structure | 0.08 | 1.0% | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 0.04 | 0.5% | 1 |
| Tyres | 0.04 | 0.5% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.04 | 0.5% | 1 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.04 | 0.5% | 1 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.04 | 0.5% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1996 BMW 520i Se Auto has an MOT pass rate of 49.0% based on 200 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 118,541 miles on the odometer. With a 51.0% failure rate, the 1996 520i Se Auto is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1996 BMW 520i Se Auto, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test. With an average mileage of 118,541 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment — 3.5% of failures
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment issues account for 3.5% of MOT failures on 1996 BMW 520i Se Auto models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Body, Structure and General Items — 1.0% of failures
Body, Structure and General Items issues account for 1.0% of MOT failures on 1996 BMW 520i Se Auto models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems — 0.5% of failures
Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems issues account for 0.5% of MOT failures on 1996 BMW 520i Se Auto models. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per belt. Pre-MOT check: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.