CarVerify
CarVerify
Sign in Check a vehicle

Free Car Check

L121 VEL

2002 BMW 520

Blue Petrol 2171cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires11 Aug 2026
Tests32 (20 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate62.5%

Mileage

167,758 mi
Last recorded167,758 miles
Recorded on12 Aug 2025
Typical for 2002 BMW 52093,444 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

RegistrationL121 VEL
MakeBMW
Model520
Year2002
ColourBlue
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2,171cc
View full BMW 520 reliability data Browse other 2002 BMW 520 registrations

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

20 pass 12 fail
Pass 12 Aug 2025 167,758 miles

Front Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Fuel cap sealing ring perished/cracking

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

Nearside Front Outer Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear fuel pipes corroded

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

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

Fail 28 Jul 2025 167,693 miles

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

Front Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Fuel cap sealing ring perished/cracking

Nearside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

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

Nearside Front Outer Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Fuel pipes corroded

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 2.5mm (5.2.3 (e))

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

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

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

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

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

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

Pass 23 Jul 2024 165,634 miles

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

Nearside Front Outer Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated boot (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Nearside Rear sill to floor corroded but not within prescribed area

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

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

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

Offside Rear sill to floor corroded but not within prescribed area

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

Power steering ram has slight seepage from a joint (2.1.5 (a))

Fail 23 Jul 2024 165,634 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Outer Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated boot (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Nearside Rear sill to floor corroded but not within prescribed area

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

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

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

Offside Rear sill to floor corroded but not within prescribed area

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

Power steering ram has slight seepage from a joint (2.1.5 (a))

Pass 26 Jul 2023 164,047 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear, front section slight corrosion (1.1.11 (c))

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

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

Offside Rear sill to floor corroded but not within prescribed area

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

Power steering ram has slight seepage from a joint (2.1.5 (a))

Fail 19 Jul 2023 164,029 miles

Nearside Outer Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear, front section slight corrosion (1.1.11 (c))

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

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

Offside Rear sill to floor corroded but not within prescribed area

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

Power steering ram has slight seepage from a joint (2.1.5 (a))

Pass 26 Jul 2022 162,192 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear, front section (1.1.11 (c))

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge tread 3mm (5.2.3 (e))

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

Offside Rear sill to floor corroded but not within prescribed area

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

Power steering ram has slight seepage from a joint (2.1.5 (a))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Fail 26 Jul 2022 162,192 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear, front section (1.1.11 (c))

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

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

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge tread 3mm (5.2.3 (e))

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

Offside Rear sill to floor corroded but not within prescribed area

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

Power steering ram has slight seepage from a joint (2.1.5 (a))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))

Pass 20 Jul 2021 159,954 miles

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 3.mm centre (5.2.3 (e))

Rear Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Fail 20 Jul 2021 159,954 miles

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

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 3.mm centre (5.2.3 (e))

Rear Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Pass 30 Jul 2020 156,250 miles

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

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Rear Upper Suspension rod pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement front tie rod (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Rear Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Fail 22 Jul 2020 156,189 miles

Nearside Brake pipe excessively corroded front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

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

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Brake pipe excessively corroded front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Outer Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

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

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))

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

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 2mm & cracking (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Front Obligatory mirror slightly damaged glass (3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge 2mm & cracking (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Upper Suspension rod pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement front tie rod (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Rear Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Pass 17 Apr 2019 151,644 miles

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

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

Nearside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing cracking (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

Offside Front Obligatory mirror slightly damaged glass (3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing cracking (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Pass 2 May 2018 146,572 miles

Central exhaust heatshield insecure

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

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

Nearside Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit 2mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

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

Fail 25 Apr 2018 146,435 miles

Nearside Front Upper Tie bar/rod has excessive play in a ball joint rear (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Side repeater incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Offside Front Upper Tie bar/rod has excessive play in a ball joint rear (2.4.G.2)

Offside Side repeater incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault (5.4.2)

Central exhaust heatshield insecure

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

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

Nearside Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit 2mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

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

Pass 27 Apr 2017 140,696 miles

Nearside Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Tie bar/rod has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Side repeater slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Offside Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Tie bar/rod has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Side repeater slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Pass 27 Apr 2016 133,149 miles

Nearside Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Upper Tie bar/rod has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front tyre cracking between treads

Offside Rear Upper Tie bar/rod has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Pass 30 Apr 2015 125,180 miles

Nearside Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component (2.3.3b)

Fail 24 Apr 2015 125,069 miles

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

Nearside Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component (2.3.3b)

Fail 25 Apr 2014 117,793 miles

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

Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault (5.4.2)

Pass 25 Apr 2014 117,793 miles

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

Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Fail 19 Apr 2013 109,681 miles

Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault (5.4.2)

Pass 19 Apr 2013 109,681 miles

Offside Front Upper Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Pass 24 Apr 2012 101,833 miles

front tyres 3mm

Pass 27 Apr 2011 100,050 miles

n/s hand brake reading low

Pass 14 Apr 2010 98,418 miles

rear exhaust heat shield loose

Pass 24 Apr 2009 96,862 miles

rear discs showing signs of corrosion

Pass 8 Apr 2008 95,469 miles
Fail 7 Apr 2008 95,467 miles

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage insecure (2.4.G.1)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Fail 19 Mar 2007 93,513 miles

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

Nearside Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

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

Offside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Offside Rear brake disc slightly scored (3.5.1h)

Pass 19 Mar 2007 93,513 miles

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

Nearside Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)

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

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

Offside Rear brake disc slightly scored (3.5.1h)

Pass 5 Apr 2006 77,675 miles

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.

Get full report — £4.99 Single check — £9.99
£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

L121 VEL is a 2002 BMW 520 in Blue with a 2,171cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 62.5%.

Across all 2002 BMW 520 models, the average MOT pass rate is 73.7% with a typical mileage of 93,444 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 L121 VEL, 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 24 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 L121 VEL?

You can check the full history of L121 VEL by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was L121 VEL registered?

L121 VEL is a 2002 BMW 520, first registered on 26 March 2002.

Is L121 VEL safe to buy?

The MOT history for L121 VEL shows 32 tests with a 62.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does L121 VEL 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 L121 VEL. 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.