1989 BMW 525 I MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 525 I models manufactured in 1989, based on 70 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all 525 I cars tested in 1989. Want to see how cars built in 1989 hold up over time?
View 1989 BMW 525 I vintage page → (56.7% current pass rate)1989 BMW 525 I MOT Analysis
The 1989 BMW 525 I has an MOT pass rate of 65.7% based on 70 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 143,615 miles on the odometer. With a 34.3% failure rate, the 1989 525 I is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 BMW 525 I is Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems, responsible for 5.7% of failures. 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 range from £50–200 per belt. Tyres is the second most common issue at 2.9%. Brakes follows at 1.4%.
Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall 525 I 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 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 5.7% | 4 |
| 2 | Tyres | 2.9% | 2 |
| 3 | Brakes | 1.4% | 1 |
| 4 | Steering | 1.4% | 1 |
| 5 | Suspension | 1.4% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 143,615 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 0.40 | 5.7% | 4 |
| Tyres | 0.20 | 2.9% | 2 |
| Brakes | 0.10 | 1.4% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.10 | 1.4% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.10 | 1.4% | 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 has an MOT pass rate of 65.7% based on 70 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 143,615 miles on the odometer. With a 34.3% failure rate, the 1989 525 I is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 BMW 525 I, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to seat belts and supplementary restraint systems: 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. With an average mileage of 143,615 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems — 5.7% of failures
Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems issues account for 5.7% of MOT failures on 1989 BMW 525 I 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.
Tyres — 2.9% of failures
Tyres issues account for 2.9% of MOT failures on 1989 BMW 525 I 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.
Brakes — 1.4% of failures
Brakes issues account for 1.4% of MOT failures on 1989 BMW 525 I 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).
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.