CarVerify

Free Car Check

J80 STP

2003 BMW 520

Silver Petrol 2171cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Expired
Expires27 Mar 2025
Tests30 (19 pass, 11 fail)
Pass rate63.3%

Mileage

185,072 mi
Last recorded185,072 miles
Recorded on28 Mar 2024
Typical for 2003 BMW 52084,985 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this BMW
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £9.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationJ80 STP
MakeBMW
Model520
Year2003
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2,171cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

19 pass 11 fail
Pass 28 Mar 2024 185,072 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material all (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Offside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 16 Mar 2024 185,071 miles

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material all (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

Offside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 7 Feb 2024 185,051 miles

Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

Front Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Nearside Rear Tyre obviously under inflated (5.2.3 (l))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Offside Rear wheel has slight bind when turned by hand

Oil leak, but not excessive from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive from gearbox (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

exhaust heat shield loose

reverse lamps inoperative

tpms warning on dash

Pass 16 Sep 2022 182,829 miles

ADVISE N/S/F HEADLAMP DISCOLOURED ADVISE MOVEMENT IN STEERING RACKARMS ADVISE COIL SPRINGS RUSTY ADVISE RONT S/A SLIGHT WEAKNESS

Front Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Rear Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

Fail 19 Aug 2022 182,801 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose excessively deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Brake hose excessively deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Parking brake lever defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated (1.1.6 (d))

Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Front Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Rear Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

advise n/s/f headlamp discoloured advise movement in steering rack arms advise coil springs rusty advise front shock absorbers slight weakness

Pass 20 Aug 2021 178,034 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Fail 18 Aug 2021 178,032 miles

Nearside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Inner Tyre has ply or cords exposed side wall split (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Fail 16 Aug 2021 177,995 miles

Nearside Front Suspension component ball joint excessively worn front (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords inner sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (i))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Central exhaust heat shield loose

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Steering rack has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Pass 12 Aug 2020 173,078 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Fail 12 Aug 2020 173,078 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Pass 21 Aug 2019 169,387 miles

Nearside Front Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge worn on outer edge and has a cut to outer side wall (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Steering rack has slight free play detected at steering wheel up and down movement (2.3 (a) (i))

near side and offside front covers loose

Fail 20 Aug 2019 169,378 miles

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn front arm (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge worn on outer edge and has a cut to outer side wall (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Steering rack has slight free play detected at steering wheel up and down movement (2.3 (a) (i))

near side and offside front covers loose

Pass 17 Aug 2018 164,683 miles

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Undertrays /cowlings loose

Fail 23 Jul 2018 164,678 miles

Brake lever has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded To hose (marked (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded To hose (marked (1.1.11 (c))

Undertrays /cowlings loose

Pass 10 Jul 2017 161,935 miles
Pass 2 Nov 2016 148,233 miles
Pass 10 Nov 2015 136,060 miles
Pass 5 Nov 2014 131,041 miles

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Fail 5 Nov 2014 131,041 miles

Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 11 Nov 2013 125,281 miles
Fail 7 Nov 2013 125,279 miles

Front registration plate character(s) incorrectly spaced (6.3.4a)

Nearside Front Torque/reaction arm has a deteriorated rubber bush resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Brake hose excessively deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Nearside Rear Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Trailing arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has a deteriorated rubber bush resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Brake hose excessively deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Rear coil spring broken (2.4.C.1a)

Rear registration plate character(s) incorrectly spaced (6.3.4a)

Pass 14 Feb 2013 117,975 miles
Pass 13 Nov 2012 130,485 miles

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Pass 27 Oct 2011 114,799 miles
Fail 26 Oct 2011 114,799 miles

Nearside Rear Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Rear Rear position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Rear Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

front brake pads getting low and brake discs worn

Pass 12 Oct 2010 106,486 miles

front brake pads getting low

front discs corrarded

ns front wheel hab buckell in it

slight oil leak

Pass 15 May 2009 94,181 miles
Pass 24 Apr 2008 86,705 miles

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Pass 19 Feb 2007 72,487 miles

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Pass 18 Sep 2006 71,716 miles

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

How Reliable is the BMW 520?

Based on 1,661,806 MOT tests across 152,584 vehicles.

78.5%
Pass Rate
7,968
Miles/Year
35
Year Lifespan
152,584
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 47,121
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 22,647
Brake pipe excessively corroded 16,724
Tyre has ply or cords exposed 15,884
Track rod end ball joint has excessive play 14,720
Full BMW 520 reliability report

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

J80 STP is a 2003 BMW 520 in Silver with a 2,171cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 30 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 63.3%.

Across all 2003 BMW 520 models, the average MOT pass rate is 74.5% with a typical mileage of 84,985 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a BMW 520 fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 47,121 recorded failures. If you're considering buying J80 STP, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The BMW 520 typically stays on UK roads for around 35 years. At 23 years old, this BMW 520 is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of J80 STP?

You can check the full history of J80 STP by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was J80 STP registered?

J80 STP is a 2003 BMW 520, first registered on 23 September 2003.

Is J80 STP safe to buy?

The MOT history for J80 STP shows 30 tests with a 63.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does J80 STP have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on J80 STP. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.