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RF53 ABV

2003 BMW 520

Grey Petrol 2171cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires24 Mar 2026
Tests29 (19 pass, 10 fail)
Pass rate65.5%

Mileage

162,580 mi
Last recorded162,580 miles
Recorded on25 Mar 2025
Typical for 2003 BMW 52084,985 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this BMW
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationRF53 ABV
MakeBMW
Model520
Year2003
ColourGrey
Fuel typePetrol
Engine2,171cc

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 10 fail
Pass 25 Mar 2025 162,580 miles

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

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

Front Inner Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

Nearside Rear Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Nearside Rear Road wheel slightly distorted (5.2.2 (c) (i))

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

Nearside Rear lamp damaged

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

Offside Rear Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Fail 24 Mar 2025 162,580 miles

Nearside Front Inner Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Front Inner Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

Nearside Rear Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Nearside Rear Road wheel slightly distorted (5.2.2 (c) (i))

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

Nearside Rear lamp damaged

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

Offside Rear Outer Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

Pass 13 Mar 2024 157,938 miles

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

Offside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt ()

Offside Rear Outer Nail in tyre ()

Fail 29 Feb 2024 157,757 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

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

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

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

Offside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt ()

Offside Rear Outer Nail in tyre ()

Pass 3 Mar 2023 152,559 miles

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

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

Fail 22 Feb 2023 152,551 miles

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

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

Offside Rear Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

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

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

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

Pass 14 Feb 2022 147,897 miles

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

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

Fail 11 Feb 2022 147,893 miles

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

Nearside Front Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 8 Feb 2022 147,855 miles

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

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

Nearside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

Nearside Registration plate lamp does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps (4.7.2 (a))

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Registration plate lamp does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps (4.7.2 (a))

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

Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

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

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

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

Offside Rear Tyre obviously under inflated (5.2.3 (l))

Pass 4 Jan 2021 142,597 miles

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

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

Fail 4 Jan 2021 142,597 miles

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

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

Pass 3 Jul 2019 133,858 miles
Fail 1 Jul 2019 133,858 miles

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))

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

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Pass 24 Oct 2018 121,085 miles

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

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

Pass 27 Oct 2017 118,267 miles

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

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

Pass 2 Nov 2016 116,186 miles

exhaust hanger bracket broken on rear exhaust box but still supported

Fail 28 Oct 2016 116,185 miles

Nearside Brake pipe excessively corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

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

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

exhaust hanger bracket broken on rear exhaust box but still supported

Pass 26 Oct 2015 115,033 miles
Pass 1 Nov 2014 112,965 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Fail 31 Oct 2014 112,964 miles

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

Nearside Rear Tyre(s) incorrect because tyres with different aspect ratios are fitted on the same axle. (4.1.A.1a)

Nearside Rear Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Pass 25 Oct 2013 109,742 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Pass 24 Oct 2012 102,834 miles

o/s and n/s front tyres wearing on inner edges

Fail 22 Oct 2012 102,790 miles

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

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

o/s and n/s front tyres wearing on inner edges

Pass 24 Oct 2011 92,684 miles

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

Pass 18 Oct 2010 83,491 miles

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

Pass 23 Oct 2009 74,328 miles
Pass 29 Oct 2008 66,818 miles
Pass 1 Nov 2007 59,161 miles

N/S/F and N/S/R tyres 'feathered' on inner edges.

Pass 20 Oct 2006 43,583 miles

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

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

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

RF53 ABV is a 2003 BMW 520 in Grey with a 2,171cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 29 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 65.5%.

Across all 2003 BMW 520 models, the average MOT pass rate is 74.5% with a typical mileage of 84,985 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 RF53 ABV, 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 23 years old, this BMW 520 is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of RF53 ABV?

You can check the full history of RF53 ABV by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was RF53 ABV registered?

RF53 ABV is a 2003 BMW 520, first registered on 27 October 2003.

Is RF53 ABV safe to buy?

The MOT history for RF53 ABV shows 29 tests with a 65.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does RF53 ABV 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 RF53 ABV. 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.