1988 BMW 525 I Se Auto MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 525 I Se Auto models manufactured in 1988, based on 35 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1988 BMW 525 I Se Auto MOT Analysis
The 1988 BMW 525 I Se Auto has an MOT pass rate of 65.7% based on 35 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 157,409 miles on the odometer. With a 34.3% failure rate, the 1988 525 I Se Auto is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1988 BMW 525 I Se Auto is Tyres, responsible for 5.7% of failures. 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 range from £50–200 per tyre. Steering is the second most common issue at 2.9%. Driver's View of the Road follows at 2.9%.
Top failures specific to 1988 models only. The overall 525 I 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 | Tyres | 5.7% | 2 |
| 2 | Steering | 2.9% | 1 |
| 3 | Driver's View Of The Road | 2.9% | 1 |
| 4 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 2.9% | 1 |
| 5 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 2.9% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 157,409 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 0.36 | 5.7% | 2 |
| Steering | 0.18 | 2.9% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.18 | 2.9% | 1 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.18 | 2.9% | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 0.18 | 2.9% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1988 BMW 525 I Se Auto has an MOT pass rate of 65.7% based on 35 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 157,409 miles on the odometer. With a 34.3% failure rate, the 1988 525 I Se Auto is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1988 BMW 525 I Se Auto, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to tyres: 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. With an average mileage of 157,409 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Tyres — 5.7% of failures
Tyres issues account for 5.7% of MOT failures on 1988 BMW 525 I 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.
Steering — 2.9% of failures
Steering issues account for 2.9% of MOT failures on 1988 BMW 525 I Se Auto models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
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 1988 BMW 525 I 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.