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R264 GBH

1998 BMW 523

Silver Petrol 2494cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires24 Nov 2026
Tests36 (20 pass, 16 fail)
Pass rate55.6%

Mileage

168,622 mi
Last recorded168,622 miles
Recorded on25 Oct 2025
Typical for 1998 BMW 523117,395 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this BMW
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Finance
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationR264 GBH
MakeBMW
Model523
Year1998
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

20 pass 16 fail
Pass 25 Oct 2025 168,622 miles

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

Front brake disc back plate slight corrosion around securing bolt

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement front most (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside slight corrosion to fuel tank support strap

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

Spare tyre defective ()

Fail 21 Oct 2025 168,622 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

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

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

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

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

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

Front brake disc back plate slight corrosion around securing bolt

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement front most (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside slight corrosion to fuel tank support strap

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

Spare tyre defective ()

Pass 8 Nov 2024 166,558 miles
Pass 13 Nov 2023 161,759 miles

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Fail 13 Nov 2023 161,759 miles

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

Offside Obligatory mirror missing (3.3 (a))

Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Pass 18 Nov 2022 157,646 miles

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

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

Fail 18 Nov 2022 157,646 miles

Nearside Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

Pass 25 Nov 2021 153,395 miles

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

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

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

n/s door sill damaged

Fail 12 Nov 2021 153,198 miles

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

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid Offside and nearside (3.5 (a))

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

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

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

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

n/s door sill damaged

Pass 18 Nov 2020 147,530 miles

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

Exhaust noisy (8.1.1 (a))

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

Nearside side sill damage

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

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

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

Fail 17 Nov 2020 147,516 miles

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

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

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn rear inner (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Exhaust noisy (8.1.1 (a))

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

Nearside side sill damage

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

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

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

Pass 20 May 2019 139,793 miles
Fail 3 Apr 2019 139,758 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Nearside Front Headlamp aim not tested (4.1.2 (b))

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

Offside Front Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

Pass 29 Mar 2018 138,152 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Pass 27 Mar 2017 136,927 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

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 27 Mar 2017 136,927 miles

Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Nearside Front Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

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 6 Apr 2016 135,723 miles

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

Fail 30 Mar 2016 135,697 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid both (8.2.3)

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 1 Apr 2015 134,604 miles

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

Rear rear parking (secondary) brake imbalance requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.6b)

Fail 26 Mar 2015 134,604 miles

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

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

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

Rear rear parking (secondary) brake imbalance requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.6b)

Pass 27 Mar 2014 133,275 miles
Fail 26 Mar 2014 133,275 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

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

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

Pass 3 Apr 2013 130,953 miles
Fail 30 Mar 2013 130,953 miles

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

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

Pass 30 Mar 2012 128,671 miles
Fail 29 Mar 2012 128,671 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Nearside Rear brake caliper has restricted free movement (3.5.1k)

Offside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Offside Rear brake caliper has restricted free movement (3.5.1k)

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

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

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

Pass 18 Feb 2011 126,984 miles
Fail 17 Feb 2011 126,984 miles

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Rear coil spring incomplete (2.4.C.1a)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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 pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

offside rear parking brake recording little or no effort

Fail 25 Jan 2010 123,416 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)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Pass 25 Jan 2010 123,416 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 29 Jan 2009 112,283 miles

Centre Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Pass 29 Jan 2009 112,283 miles
Pass 31 Jan 2008 105,599 miles
Fail 30 Jan 2008 105,599 miles

Nearside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)

Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (4.1.D.1b)

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

Pass 25 Jan 2007 95,491 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)

Pass 27 Jan 2006 85,265 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.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

R264 GBH is a 1998 BMW 523 in Silver with a 2,494cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 36 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 55.6%.

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 R264 GBH, 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 R264 GBH?

You can check the full history of R264 GBH by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was R264 GBH registered?

R264 GBH is a 1998 BMW 523, first registered on 18 June 1998.

Is R264 GBH safe to buy?

The MOT history for R264 GBH shows 36 tests with a 55.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does R264 GBH 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 R264 GBH. 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.