CarVerify

Free Car Check

SC53 BPV

2003 BMW 520

Silver Petrol 2171cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires16 Nov 2026
Tests30 (20 pass, 10 fail)
Pass rate66.7%

Mileage

133,476 mi
Last recorded133,476 miles
Recorded on17 Nov 2025
Typical for 2003 BMW 52084,985 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 £9.99

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

RegistrationSC53 BPV
MakeBMW
Model520
Year2003
ColourSilver
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

20 pass 10 fail
Pass 17 Nov 2025 133,476 miles

Headlamp lens slightly defective Both slightly fogged. (4.1.1 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 15 Nov 2025 133,475 miles

Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect Both headlight lenses fogged. (4.1.2 (c))

Nearside Rear Service brake excessively binding Intermittent. (1.2.1 (f))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 7 Nov 2024 119,872 miles

Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated (1.1.10 (f))

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

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

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

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

Fail 5 Nov 2024 119,849 miles

Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Inner Tyre has ply or cords damaged (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated (1.1.10 (f))

Front Headlamp lens slightly defective both sides (4.1.1 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

Pass 16 Nov 2023 108,865 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 23 Oct 2023 108,847 miles

Front Steering rack has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering rack fitted) (2.3 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Play in steering rack inner joint(s) ()

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

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

Pass 8 Dec 2022 101,798 miles
Fail 6 Dec 2022 101,797 miles

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 Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint likely to become detached (5.3.4 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 21 Dec 2021 98,416 miles

Front Anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 18 Dec 2020 97,058 miles

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

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

Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated (5.3.4 (b) (i))

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

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

Pass 24 Dec 2019 95,308 miles

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

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

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

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

Fail 24 Dec 2019 95,308 miles

Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

Pass 7 Dec 2018 93,746 miles

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

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))

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

Fail 7 Dec 2018 93,746 miles

Nearside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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))

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

Pass 22 Dec 2017 92,480 miles

Offside Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Oil leak ()

Tyre worn close to the legal limit both rears (4.1.E.1)

rear springs weak

Pass 22 Dec 2016 88,851 miles
Fail 22 Dec 2016 88,851 miles

Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect (1.8.A.1b)

Pass 21 Dec 2015 83,447 miles

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

Pass 5 Dec 2014 79,920 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm has slight play in a pin/bearing (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)

Fail 1 Dec 2014 79,916 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 23 Dec 2013 76,065 miles

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

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

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm rubber mounting deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Pass 19 Dec 2012 72,158 miles

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

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

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

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

tps warning lamp on

Pass 20 Dec 2011 68,456 miles
Fail 19 Dec 2011 68,456 miles

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

Pass 16 Dec 2010 66,314 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 17 Dec 2009 59,110 miles
Pass 6 Dec 2008 51,175 miles
Fail 5 Dec 2008 51,148 miles

Windscreen has damage to an area in excess of a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

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

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

Pass 21 Dec 2007 43,869 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 12 Dec 2006 33,752 miles

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

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

SC53 BPV is a 2003 BMW 520 in Silver with a 2,171cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 30 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 66.7%.

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 SC53 BPV, 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 SC53 BPV?

You can check the full history of SC53 BPV by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was SC53 BPV registered?

SC53 BPV is a 2003 BMW 520, first registered on 22 December 2003.

Is SC53 BPV safe to buy?

The MOT history for SC53 BPV shows 30 tests with a 66.7% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does SC53 BPV 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 SC53 BPV. 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.