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S754 SWC

1997 BMW 523

Red Petrol 2494cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires22 Aug 2026
Tests29 (20 pass, 9 fail)
Pass rate69%

Mileage

178,037 mi
Last recorded178,037 miles
Recorded on20 Aug 2025
Typical for 1997 BMW 523121,619 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

RegistrationS754 SWC
MakeBMW
Model523
Year1997
ColourRed
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 9 fail
Pass 20 Aug 2025 178,037 miles

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

Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced boot floor corroded (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Road wheel slightly distorted (5.2.2 (c) (i))

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

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

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

Pass 23 Aug 2024 175,881 miles

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

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

Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced boot floor (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Fail 23 Aug 2024 175,878 miles

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

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component pin or bush excessively worn lower hub bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced boot floor (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Fail 28 Jun 2024 175,866 miles

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded by fuel tank (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Inner Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Rear Outer Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced sill (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced boot floor (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Pass 26 Jun 2023

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

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

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

Fail 23 Jun 2023

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits co too high (8.2.1.2 (b))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 20 Jul 2022 174,072 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 19 Jul 2022 174,068 miles

Driver's view of the road through the swept area of the windscreen significantly affected by an obstruction wipers park incorrectly (3.1 (a) (ii))

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

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (a))

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases front at 2 into 1 (6.1.2 (a))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 29 Jun 2021 169,890 miles

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

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

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

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

wipers do not park in correct position

Fail 29 Jun 2021 169,887 miles

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

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

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

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))

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

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

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

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

wipers do not park in correct position

Pass 21 Jul 2020 165,645 miles
Pass 23 Jul 2019 160,498 miles

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

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

Offside Rear Nail in tyre ()

Offside Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

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

Pass 11 Jul 2018 151,028 miles

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

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

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

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

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Fail 10 Jul 2018 151,019 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Front Steering linkage ball joint has excessive play steering arm at rack end (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases after middle box (6.1.2 (a))

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

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

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

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

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Pass 25 Jul 2017 141,609 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded to front of wheel arch (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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)

Pass 12 Jul 2016 131,820 miles

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

Nearside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded to front of wheel arch (3.6.B.2c)

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

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

Fail 12 Jul 2016 131,820 miles

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

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

Nearside Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded to front of wheel arch (3.6.B.2c)

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

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

Pass 14 Jul 2015 122,892 miles

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)

Pass 29 Jul 2014 115,966 miles

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

Fail 29 Jul 2014 115,957 miles

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

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

Pass 24 Jul 2013 110,849 miles

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

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

Fail 24 Jul 2013 110,841 miles

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

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

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

Pass 13 Jul 2012 105,903 miles
Pass 22 Jul 2011 100,987 miles
Pass 13 Jul 2010 95,203 miles
Pass 28 Jul 2009 91,001 miles

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

Pass 18 Jul 2008 86,109 miles

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

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

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

Pass 17 Jul 2007 78,597 miles
Pass 28 Jul 2006 73,403 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

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

S754 SWC is a 1997 BMW 523 in Red with a 2,494cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 29 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 69%.

Across all 1997 BMW 523 models, the average MOT pass rate is 67.1% with a typical mileage of 121,619 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

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 S754 SWC, 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 29 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 S754 SWC?

You can check the full history of S754 SWC by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was S754 SWC registered?

S754 SWC is a 1997 BMW 523, first registered on 31 December 1997.

Is S754 SWC safe to buy?

The MOT history for S754 SWC shows 29 tests with a 69% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does S754 SWC 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 S754 SWC. 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.