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N679 VFJ

1996 BMW 520

Green Petrol 1991cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires17 Mar 2027
Tests34 (19 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate55.9%

Mileage

Typical for 1996 BMW 520126,144 mi
4 checks still locked for this BMW
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationN679 VFJ
MakeBMW
Model520
Year1996
ColourGreen
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,991cc

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 15 fail
Pass 18 Mar 2026

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting repair covered in underseal (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Suspension component corroded but not seriously weakened General Corrosion To Suspension Components Front and Rear (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Pass 8 Nov 2024

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

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

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

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

Fail 6 Nov 2024

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

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

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

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

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

Pass 20 Oct 2023

Central Stop lamp(s) with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.3.1 (a) (i))

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

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

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

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

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Fail 18 Oct 2023

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

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

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner sill / floor pan (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Central Stop lamp(s) with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.3.1 (a) (i))

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

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

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

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

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Pass 8 Nov 2022

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

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

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

Fail 2 Nov 2022

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Tyre not fitted in accordance with side wall instructions (5.2.3 (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Pass 5 Nov 2021 197,328 miles

All brake discs are corroded

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Central Stop lamp(s) with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.3.1 (a) (i))

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside front fog light inoperative

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Rear Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Fail 1 Nov 2021 197,327 miles

Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))

Nearside 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 dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded to the extent that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected (5.3.6 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

All brake discs are corroded

Central Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Central Stop lamp(s) with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.3.1 (a) (i))

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside front fog light inoperative

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Rear Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Pass 12 Nov 2020 197,186 miles

Central Stop lamp(s) with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.3.1 (a) (i))

Coolant leak

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

Offside Front fog light inoperative

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Fail 3 Nov 2020 197,186 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Central Stop lamp(s) with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.3.1 (a) (i))

Coolant leak

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

Offside Front fog light inoperative

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Pass 5 Nov 2018 196,307 miles

Central Stop lamp(s) with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.3.1 (a) (i))

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive both under sills areas (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Fail 1 Nov 2018 196,303 miles

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii)) DANGEROUS

Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive both under sills areas (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Pass 23 Oct 2017 194,980 miles

Nearside Lower Front suspension has slight movement at a suspension ball joint (2.5.A.1c)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

Pass 24 Oct 2016 194,160 miles

Brake hose slightly deteriorated both front (3.6.B.4d)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

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

registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread both (6.3.1d)

Pass 21 Oct 2015 192,121 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

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

registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread both (6.3.1d)

Fail 21 Oct 2015 192,121 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

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

registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread both (6.3.1d)

Fail 5 Oct 2015 192,051 miles

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

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

Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded both rear under sills (2.4.A.3)

Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded both rear under sills (2.4.A.3)

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

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

registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread both (6.3.1d)

Pass 3 Nov 2014 190,160 miles

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

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

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

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

registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Fail 27 Oct 2014 190,156 miles

Front Tyre(s) incorrect because different size tyres are fitted on the same axle. (4.1.A.1a)

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

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

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

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

registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Pass 4 Oct 2013 187,295 miles

Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front Lower Front suspension ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Fail 3 Oct 2013 187,295 miles

Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front Lower Front suspension ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Pass 3 Oct 2012 183,900 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

both rear axle bushes splitting

g/box prop joint splitting

n/s/r tyre inner edge getting low

Pass 10 Oct 2011 180,519 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Nearside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

centre exhaust mounting broken -but exhaust supported

n/s/r tyre inner edge low

Fail 10 Oct 2011 180,519 miles

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Nearside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Rear Sub-frame rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

centre exhaust mounting broken -but exhaust supported

n/s/r tyre inner edge low

Pass 28 Oct 2010 178,400 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Fail 27 Oct 2010 178,400 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Pass 19 Oct 2009 175,685 miles

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Fail 5 Oct 2009 175,685 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low and too far to the left. (1.8)

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Pass 4 Jun 2008 171,602 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

Fail 3 Jun 2008 171,602 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4)

Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

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

Pass 1 May 2007 169,063 miles
Fail 1 May 2007 169,061 miles

Offside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

Pass 11 May 2006 164,234 miles

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

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

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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

N679 VFJ is a 1996 BMW 520 in Green with a 1,991cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 34 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 55.9%.

Across all 1996 BMW 520 models, the average MOT pass rate is 65.7% with a typical mileage of 126,144 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 N679 VFJ, 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 30 years old, this BMW 520 is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of N679 VFJ?

You can check the full history of N679 VFJ by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was N679 VFJ registered?

N679 VFJ is a 1996 BMW 520, first registered on 17 May 1996.

Is N679 VFJ safe to buy?

The MOT history for N679 VFJ shows 34 tests with a 55.9% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does N679 VFJ 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 N679 VFJ. 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.