1989 BMW 525 I Se Auto MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 525 I Se Auto models manufactured in 1989, based on 105 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all 525 I Se Auto cars tested in 1989. Want to see how cars built in 1989 hold up over time?
View 1989 BMW 525 I Se Auto vintage page → (56.9% current pass rate)1989 BMW 525 I Se Auto MOT Analysis
The 1989 BMW 525 I Se Auto has an MOT pass rate of 59.0% based on 105 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 130,676 miles on the odometer. With a 41.0% failure rate, the 1989 525 I Se Auto is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 BMW 525 I Se Auto is Suspension, responsible for 3.8% 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. Brakes is the second most common issue at 2.9%. Driver's View of the Road follows at 1.0%.
Top failures specific to 1989 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 | Suspension | 3.8% | 4 |
| 2 | Brakes | 2.9% | 3 |
| 3 | Driver's View Of The Road | 1.0% | 1 |
| 4 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 1.0% | 1 |
| 5 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 1.0% | 1 |
| 6 | Steering | 1.0% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 130,676 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 | 0.29 | 3.8% | 4 |
| Brakes | 0.22 | 2.9% | 3 |
| Visibility | 0.07 | 1.0% | 1 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.07 | 1.0% | 1 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.07 | 1.0% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.07 | 1.0% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 BMW 525 I Se Auto has an MOT pass rate of 59.0% based on 105 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 130,676 miles on the odometer. With a 41.0% failure rate, the 1989 525 I Se Auto is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 BMW 525 I Se Auto, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. 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 130,676 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Suspension — 3.8% of failures
Suspension issues account for 3.8% of MOT failures on 1989 BMW 525 I 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.
Brakes — 2.9% of failures
Brakes issues account for 2.9% of MOT failures on 1989 BMW 525 I Se Auto models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Driver's View of the Road — 1.0% of failures
Driver's View of the Road issues account for 1.0% of MOT failures on 1989 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.