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P243 PLP

1996 BMW 523

Silver Petrol 2494cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires21 May 2027
Tests39 (21 pass, 18 fail)
Pass rate53.8%

Mileage

148,601 mi
Last recorded148,601 miles
Recorded on19 May 2026
Typical for 1996 BMW 523123,198 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this BMW
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Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationP243 PLP
MakeBMW
Model523
Year1996
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2,494cc

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

21 pass 18 fail
Pass 19 May 2026 148,601 miles
Fail 19 May 2026 148,600 miles

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

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

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

Pass 22 May 2025 145,458 miles

Offside Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Offside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced jacking area (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material main pipes and rear (1.1.11 (c))

Fail 15 May 2025 145,455 miles

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

Nearside Rear Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced jacking area (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Offside Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced jacking area (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material main pipes and rear (1.1.11 (c))

Pass 14 May 2024 142,880 miles
Fail 14 May 2024 142,879 miles

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

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

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

Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Pass 14 Mar 2023 138,459 miles

Both Offside & Nearside Front brake backing plates loose

Both Offside & Nearside Rear sill ends corroded - Covered by plastic sill covers not allowing full inspection

Central Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Coolant leak

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Seat belt slightly damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

Fail 8 Mar 2023 138,457 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Both Offside & Nearside Front brake backing plates loose

Both Offside & Nearside Rear sill ends corroded - Covered by plastic sill covers not allowing full inspection

Central Stop lamp(s) non-obligatory stop lamp not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Coolant leak

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Seat belt slightly damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

Pass 28 Feb 2022 135,266 miles
Fail 24 Feb 2022 135,264 miles

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

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

Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm on inner edge (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

both center exhaust clamps extremely corroded and very likely to fail

Pass 18 Feb 2021 129,653 miles

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

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced sill corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Fail 17 Feb 2021 129,651 miles

Nearside Parking (secondary brake) on a single line braking system has inadequate effort at a wheel (1.3.1 (a) (i))

Offside Parking (secondary brake) on a single line braking system has inadequate effort at a wheel (1.3.1 (a) (i))

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

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Headlamp lens seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced sill corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Headlamp lens seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Pass 19 Feb 2020 123,185 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

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

Fail 19 Feb 2020 123,184 miles

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

Offside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

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

Offside Rear Position lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning (4.2.1 (a) (i))

Pass 12 Feb 2019 116,944 miles

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

Nearside Non obligatory mirror damaged glass

Fail 11 Feb 2019 116,942 miles

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

Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view glass delaminated (3.3 (b) (ii))

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

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

Nearside Non obligatory mirror damaged glass

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Pass 20 Feb 2018 113,338 miles

Nearside Obligatory mirror deteriorated, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Offside Obligatory mirror deteriorated, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Pass 9 Feb 2017 109,907 miles

Nearside Obligatory mirror deteriorated, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Offside Obligatory mirror deteriorated, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

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

Fail 8 Feb 2017 109,906 miles

Driver's door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle handle missing (6.2.B.1b)

Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.5.A.2)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Nearside Obligatory mirror deteriorated, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Offside Obligatory mirror deteriorated, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

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

Pass 23 Feb 2016 106,587 miles

both door mirror glasses discoloured

nearside front wheel bearing very slightly rough when rotated

Fail 23 Feb 2016 106,586 miles

Offside Front Upper 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 Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

both door mirror glasses discoloured

nearside front wheel bearing very slightly rough when rotated

Pass 18 Feb 2015 103,704 miles

Offside Obligatory mirror deteriorated, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

light corrosion on main brake pipe

Fail 18 Feb 2015 103,703 miles

Centre Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Obligatory mirror deteriorated, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

light corrosion on main brake pipe

Pass 26 Feb 2014 101,251 miles

both mirror glasses in very poor condition

n/s rear top outer ball joint boot very slightly split

rear brake pipes slightly corroded

Fail 24 Feb 2014 101,250 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

both mirror glasses in very poor condition

n/s rear top outer ball joint boot very slightly split

rear brake pipes slightly corroded

Pass 27 Feb 2013 97,772 miles
Fail 26 Feb 2013 97,770 miles

Nearside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Offside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

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

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

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Pass 21 Nov 2011 89,490 miles
Fail 16 Nov 2011 89,465 miles

Offside Rear Upper Tie bar/rod has excessive play in a pin/bearing (2.4.G.2)

Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Pass 15 Nov 2010 87,347 miles

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

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

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

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

o/s/r upper suspension arm outer joint gaiter split

Pass 17 Nov 2009 85,913 miles

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

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

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

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

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Fail 16 Nov 2009 85,912 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Front registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced (1.7.5a)

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Front Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced (1.7.5a)

Offside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 22 Nov 2008 84,361 miles

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

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

Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage (2.3.3b)

Pass 29 Nov 2007 81,496 miles
Fail 22 Nov 2007 91,050 miles

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

Nearside Rear Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Fail 22 Nov 2007 81,050 miles

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

Pass 24 Nov 2006 78,188 miles
Fail 21 Nov 2006 78,188 miles

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

Pass 26 Nov 2005 74,366 miles

How Reliable is the BMW 523?

Based on 254,660 MOT tests across 20,979 vehicles.

69.9%
Pass Rate
5,849
Miles/Year
30
Year Lifespan
20,979
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 17,201
Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 15,085
parking brake recording little or no effort 9,427
Brake pipe excessively corroded 9,143
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid 7,285
Full BMW 523 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.

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P243 PLP is a 1996 BMW 523 in Silver with a 2,494cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 39 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 53.8%.

Across all 1996 BMW 523 models, the average MOT pass rate is 66.0% with a typical mileage of 123,198 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 523 fails its MOT is parking brake: efficiency below requirements, accounting for 17,201 recorded failures. If you're considering buying P243 PLP, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The BMW 523 typically stays on UK roads for around 30 years. At 30 years old, this BMW 523 is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of P243 PLP?

You can check the full history of P243 PLP by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P243 PLP registered?

P243 PLP is a 1996 BMW 523, first registered on 3 December 1996.

Is P243 PLP safe to buy?

The MOT history for P243 PLP shows 39 tests with a 53.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P243 PLP 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 P243 PLP. 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.