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P278 GPD

1997 BMW 525

Black Diesel 2498cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires8 Dec 2026
Tests21 (16 pass, 5 fail)
Pass rate76.2%

Mileage

59,251 mi
Last recorded59,251 miles
Recorded on8 Dec 2025
Typical for 1997 BMW 525141,402 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

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

RegistrationP278 GPD
MakeBMW
Model525
Year1997
ColourBlack
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,498cc

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

16 pass 5 fail
Pass 8 Dec 2025 59,251 miles

Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Rear Parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Pass 9 Dec 2024 57,065 miles

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

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

Pass 9 Dec 2023 53,490 miles

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

Pass 14 Jun 2022 52,306 miles

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

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

Fail 14 Jun 2022 52,306 miles

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

Offside Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

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

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

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

Pass 14 Jun 2021 47,399 miles

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

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

handbrake little travel

Pass 17 Jun 2020 45,144 miles
Fail 17 Jun 2020 45,142 miles

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

Offside Rear Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))

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

Offside Rear Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 28 Feb 2019 43,907 miles
Pass 8 Nov 2017 41,657 miles
Pass 21 Oct 2016 41,075 miles

Nearside Front tyre sidewall perished

Offside Front tyre sidewall perished

Offside Rear tyre sidewall perished

Fail 20 Oct 2016 41,075 miles

Centre Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

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

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

Nearside Front tyre sidewall perished

Offside Front tyre sidewall perished

Offside Rear tyre sidewall perished

Pass 17 Jun 2015 39,489 miles

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

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

Oil leak

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Pass 25 Apr 2014 38,174 miles
Pass 12 Nov 2012 37,417 miles
Fail 12 Nov 2012 37,417 miles

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

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 15 Mar 2010 36,877 miles
Pass 14 Apr 2009 35,735 miles
Pass 5 Oct 2007 33,169 miles
Fail 5 Oct 2007 33,169 miles

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

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

Pass 30 Mar 2006 28,093 miles

How Reliable is the BMW 525?

Based on 724,963 MOT tests across 56,965 vehicles.

74.4%
Pass Rate
7,259
Miles/Year
37
Year Lifespan
56,965
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 33,171
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 17,448
Brake pipe excessively corroded 16,227
Tyre has ply or cords exposed 10,065
Track rod end ball joint has excessive play 9,710
Full BMW 525 reliability report

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P278 GPD is a 1997 BMW 525 in Black with a 2,498cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 21 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 76.2%.

Across all 1997 BMW 525 models, the average MOT pass rate is 66.3% with a typical mileage of 141,402 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

The most common reason a BMW 525 fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 33,171 recorded failures. If you're considering buying P278 GPD, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The BMW 525 typically stays on UK roads for around 37 years. At 29 years old, this BMW 525 is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of P278 GPD?

You can check the full history of P278 GPD by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was P278 GPD registered?

P278 GPD is a 1997 BMW 525, first registered on 26 March 1997.

Is P278 GPD safe to buy?

The MOT history for P278 GPD shows 21 tests with a 76.2% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does P278 GPD 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 P278 GPD. 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.