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S166 UVG

1998 BMW 523

Blue Petrol 2494cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires12 Nov 2026
Tests36 (20 pass, 16 fail)
Pass rate55.6%

Mileage

220,516 mi
Last recorded220,516 miles
Recorded on13 Nov 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

RegistrationS166 UVG
MakeBMW
Model523
Year1998
ColourBlue
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 13 Nov 2025 220,516 miles
Fail 6 Nov 2025 220,516 miles

Front Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))

Front Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction emissions not tested (8.2.1.2 (h))

Rear Body insecure to the extent that stability is seriously impaired jaking points and sill closeing panles holed (6.2.2 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Rear Brake lining(s) incorrectly mounted brakes noisey and baking plates rear braking up (1.1.13 (c)) DANGEROUS

Pass 22 Oct 2024 218,125 miles

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

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security inner sill (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

Offside Front Vehicle structure is deformed but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security inner sill (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

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

Fail 16 Oct 2024 218,125 miles

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn front (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security inner sill (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside steering rack gator deteriated

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

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

Offside Front Vehicle structure is deformed but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front steering rack gator deteriated

Offside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped or supported rubbing on fuel tank (1.1.11 (d) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security inner sill (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

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

Pass 11 Oct 2023 215,033 miles

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

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

Pass 28 Sep 2022 211,707 miles

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

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

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

Fail 27 Sep 2022 211,686 miles

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

Nearside Front Position lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp position lamp effecting indicator (4.2.3 (c))

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

All position lamps have a product on the lenses or light sources which obviously reduces light intensity (4.2.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Pass 1 Oct 2021 208,911 miles

Oil leak, but not excessive bad oil leaks from engine but not dripping on the floor (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 24 Sep 2021 208,898 miles

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

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

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

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

Offside Rear 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

Oil leak, but not excessive bad oil leaks from engine but not dripping on the floor (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 8 Oct 2020 205,864 miles

very bad oil leaks but not dripping on floor

Fail 5 Oct 2020 205,858 miles

Brake pipe excessively corroded both main-line pipes to rear (1.1.11 (c))

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

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension rod pin or bush excessively worn hub bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

very bad oil leaks but not dripping on floor

Pass 24 Sep 2019 201,023 miles

Nearside Front Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area damaged but not considered excessive sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Fail 24 Sep 2019 201,023 miles

Nearside Front Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area damaged but not considered excessive sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Pass 29 Nov 2018 194,081 miles

Nearside Front Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area damaged but not considered excessive sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Fail 15 Nov 2018 193,896 miles

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn hub bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Inner Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength sill to jacking point (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Nearside Front Outer Suspension component mounting prescribed area damaged but not considered excessive sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Pass 14 Nov 2017 186,741 miles

Nearside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Outer Rear position lamp(s) has light sources not illuminating, but not more than 50% (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint rear arm on hub (2.4.G.2)

Oil leak ()

high level brake lights not working

Fail 8 Nov 2017 186,686 miles

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

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

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

Offside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Nearside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Outer Rear position lamp(s) has light sources not illuminating, but not more than 50% (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint rear arm on hub (2.4.G.2)

Oil leak ()

high level brake lights not working

Pass 26 Nov 2016 178,679 miles
Pass 12 Nov 2015 169,321 miles
Fail 7 Nov 2015 169,236 miles

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Pass 22 Nov 2014 162,930 miles

Front brakes wearing low wheel off inspection advised

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

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

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

Rear boot will not latch

Pass 27 Nov 2013 156,329 miles
Fail 19 Nov 2013 156,241 miles

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

Nearside Rear coil spring broken (2.4.C.1a)

Pass 27 Nov 2012 149,282 miles

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

offside rear one of two sidelamps (inner side lamp) inoperative

Pass 25 Nov 2011 141,710 miles
Fail 25 Nov 2011 141,706 miles

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

Nearside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Offside Rear Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

slight play to offside and nearside steering rack arms

Fail 26 Nov 2010 130,884 miles

Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (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 26 Nov 2010 130,884 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 23 Nov 2009 123,993 miles
Fail 20 Nov 2009 123,968 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (3.4.1c)

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

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

n/s & o/s rear brake flexes perrished advise replacement soon.

n/s front bumper damaged.

rear exhaust heat shield insecure.

Pass 1 Dec 2008 113,763 miles
Fail 26 Nov 2008 113,620 miles

Nearside Inner Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

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

Offside Inner Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

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

Pass 30 Nov 2007 103,493 miles

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

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

front bumper damaged

slight play to offside of steering rack end

Fail 27 Nov 2007 103,456 miles

Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Headlamp insecure (1.7.3)

Offside Headlamp insecure (1.7.3)

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

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

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

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

both headlamps condensated

front bumper damaged

slight play to offside of steering rack end

Pass 28 Nov 2006 88,241 miles
Fail 27 Nov 2006 88,221 miles

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

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

S166 UVG is a 1998 BMW 523 in Blue 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 S166 UVG, 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 S166 UVG?

You can check the full history of S166 UVG by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was S166 UVG registered?

S166 UVG is a 1998 BMW 523, first registered on 25 September 1998.

Is S166 UVG safe to buy?

The MOT history for S166 UVG 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 S166 UVG 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 S166 UVG. 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.