CarVerify

Free Car Check

S187 DWU

1998 BMW 523

Green Petrol 2494cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Expired
Expires26 Jul 2023
Tests29 (15 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate51.7%

Mileage

288,374 mi
Last recorded288,374 miles
Recorded on2 Aug 2023
Typical for 1998 BMW 523117,395 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this BMW
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £14.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationS187 DWU
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

15 pass 14 fail
Fail 2 Aug 2023 288,374 miles

Nearside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced jacking point area (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced jacking point area (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced jacking point area (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced jacking point area (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

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

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

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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

fuel tank security straps corroded

Pass 27 Jul 2022 287,169 miles

Front bumper has damage

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced all four jacking points corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

fuel tank straps corroded

Fail 27 Jul 2022 287,169 miles

Front bumper has damage

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced all four jacking points corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

fuel tank straps corroded

Pass 11 Sep 2020 280,492 miles

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

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

fuel tank straps corroded

Fail 11 Sep 2020 280,492 miles

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

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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

fuel tank straps corroded

Pass 15 Apr 2019 269,229 miles

Fuel Pipe/s corroded both fuel pipes along floor of vehicle to and from fuel tank ()

Offside Rear suspension spring touching body unable to see if its fractured at top mount further investigation required

Spare tyre defective ()

Fail 12 Apr 2019 269,078 miles

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn trailing suspension arm (aluminium) chalked up (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a))

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

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Valve stem seriously damaged (5.2.3 (j)) DANGEROUS

Fuel Pipe/s corroded both fuel pipes along floor of vehicle to and from fuel tank ()

Nearside reverse lamp inop

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

Offside Rear suspension spring touching body unable to see if its fractured at top mount further investigation required

Offside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources (4.7.1 (b) (i))

Spare tyre defective ()

Pass 24 Apr 2018 258,319 miles

Front coil spring corroded both (2.4.C.1b)

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

Offside wiper split slightly

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

fuel pipes slightly corroded

slight oil leak from engine, gearbox and rear differential

Fail 24 Apr 2018 258,319 miles

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm 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)

Front coil spring corroded both (2.4.C.1b)

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

Offside wiper split slightly

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

fuel pipes slightly corroded

slight oil leak from engine, gearbox and rear differential

Pass 18 Jan 2017 243,212 miles

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit worn to 2mm (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint inner ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit worn on inner edge (4.1.E.1)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit worn to 1.6 mm requires replacing (4.1.E.1)

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

Oil leak ()

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 18 Jan 2017 243,212 miles

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit worn to 2mm (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint inner ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit worn on inner edge (4.1.E.1)

Offside Outer Rear position lamp(s) has less than 50% of the light sources illuminating (1.1.A.3b)

Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit worn to 1.6 mm requires replacing (4.1.E.1)

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

Oil leak ()

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 22 Jan 2016 227,497 miles

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

handbrake performace is poor

Fail 21 Jan 2016 227,497 miles

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

Nearside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

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 Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

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

Pass 2 Feb 2015 201,965 miles

Nearside Front Upper Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Parking brake: parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Pass 27 Jan 2014 175,692 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

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

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

rear tyres wearing on edges

signs of oil leak

Fail 27 Jan 2014 175,692 miles

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

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

Offside 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)

Offside Obligatory mirror missing (8.1.1)

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

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

Play in steering rack inner joint(s)

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

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

rear tyres wearing on edges

signs of oil leak

Pass 31 Jan 2013 151,374 miles

Fuel pipe/s corroded

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

Fail 30 Jan 2013 151,349 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fuel pipe/s corroded

Pass 27 Jan 2012 130,949 miles

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

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

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

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

Oil leak

airbag warning lamp is on

brake pipes around the fuel tank area are covered in grease

brake pipes under the front arches are covered in grease on both sides og the vehicle

n/s handbrake cable is corroded

n/s/r tyre is perished (cracked)

rear brake pipe around the diff area is slightly corroded

slight free play in the steering system

Pass 31 Jan 2011 113,286 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Torque/reaction arm has a slightly deteriorated rubber bush (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has a slightly deteriorated rubber bush (2.4.G.2)

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

nearside front seat belt slow to retract

Fail 28 Jan 2011 113,286 miles

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a) DANGEROUS

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

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

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Front Torque/reaction arm has a slightly deteriorated rubber bush (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Offside Front Torque/reaction arm has a slightly deteriorated rubber bush (2.4.G.2)

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

nearside front seat belt slow to retract

Pass 26 Oct 2009 106,616 miles
Fail 23 Oct 2009 106,615 miles

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

Offside Headlamp insecure (1.7.3)

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

Pass 16 Jan 2009 101,992 miles
Fail 15 Jan 2009 101,992 miles

Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image (1.2.4a)

Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)

Pass 30 Oct 2007 95,686 miles
Fail 24 Oct 2007 95,488 miles

Nearside Front Brake back plate(s) securing device loose (3.5.1j)

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

Offside Front Brake back plate(s) securing device loose (3.5.1j)

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

o/s/r tyre 3mm

slight condensation in both headlamps

Pass 13 Oct 2006 88,808 miles
Fail 13 Oct 2006 88,808 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image (1.2.4a)

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

Nearside Rear Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

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

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

S187 DWU is a 1998 BMW 523 in Green with a 2,494cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 29 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 51.7%.

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 S187 DWU, 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 S187 DWU?

You can check the full history of S187 DWU by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was S187 DWU registered?

S187 DWU is a 1998 BMW 523, first registered on 25 November 1998.

Is S187 DWU safe to buy?

The MOT history for S187 DWU shows 29 tests with a 51.7% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does S187 DWU 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 S187 DWU. 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.