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R183 VRX

1998 BMW 523

Green Petrol 2494cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires21 Apr 2027
Tests34 (21 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate61.8%

Mileage

193,982 mi
Last recorded193,982 miles
Recorded on17 Apr 2026
Typical for 1998 BMW 523117,395 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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

RegistrationR183 VRX
MakeBMW
Model523
Year1998
ColourGreen
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 13 fail
Pass 17 Apr 2026 193,982 miles

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

Fail 8 Apr 2026 193,982 miles

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

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

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

Pass 15 Apr 2025 191,954 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Fail 15 Apr 2025 191,954 miles

Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

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 Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component (2.1.5 (a))

Pass 22 Apr 2024 189,198 miles

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 22 Apr 2024 189,198 miles

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 31 Aug 2023 187,688 miles

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

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Fail 9 Aug 2023 187,685 miles

Central Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

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

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

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

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Steering wheel has movement relative to the column such that there is a serious risk of detachment (2.2.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Pass 9 Aug 2022 185,290 miles

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

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

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

Rear Upper Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Fail 9 Aug 2022 185,290 miles

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

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

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

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

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

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

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

Rear Upper Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Pass 2 Aug 2021 183,076 miles

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

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play rear most (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 2 Aug 2021 183,076 miles

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

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play rear most (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 17 Aug 2020 181,230 miles
Fail 17 Aug 2020 181,230 miles

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

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

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

Pass 1 Apr 2019 178,548 miles
Fail 15 Mar 2019 178,495 miles

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

Nearside Rear Tyre tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Tyre tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

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

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

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

Pass 19 Mar 2018 176,319 miles

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

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

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

Pass 24 Feb 2017 172,722 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)

Fail 24 Feb 2017 172,722 miles

Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault (5.4.2)

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)

Pass 22 Mar 2016 169,288 miles

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (1.7.5a)

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (1.7.5a)

Pass 24 Mar 2015 166,100 miles
Fail 20 Mar 2015 166,100 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 beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

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

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

Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

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

Pass 20 Mar 2014 161,467 miles

Headlamp damaged but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

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

Pass 20 Mar 2013 156,882 miles

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

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

Oil leak

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

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

Fail 20 Mar 2013 156,882 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

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

Oil leak

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

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

Fail 21 Mar 2012 152,463 miles

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

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

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

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

Pass 21 Mar 2012 152,463 miles

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

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

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

Pass 22 Mar 2011 147,011 miles

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

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

Pass 16 Mar 2010 141,669 miles
Pass 18 Mar 2009 138,640 miles
Pass 19 Mar 2008 135,258 miles
Pass 1 Mar 2007 129,488 miles
Pass 15 Mar 2006 123,768 miles
Fail 10 Mar 2006 123,617 miles

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

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

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

R183 VRX is a 1998 BMW 523 in Green with a 2,494cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 34 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 61.8%.

Across all 1998 BMW 523 models, the average MOT pass rate is 67.9% with a typical mileage of 117,395 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 R183 VRX, 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 28 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 R183 VRX?

You can check the full history of R183 VRX by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R183 VRX registered?

R183 VRX is a 1998 BMW 523, first registered on 30 April 1998.

Is R183 VRX safe to buy?

The MOT history for R183 VRX shows 34 tests with a 61.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R183 VRX 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 R183 VRX. 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.