CarVerify

Free Car Check

SG52 EAE

2002 BMW 520

Blue Petrol 2171cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires14 Apr 2027
Tests31 (17 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate54.8%

Mileage

142,870 mi
Last recorded142,870 miles
Recorded on15 Apr 2026
Typical for 2002 BMW 52093,444 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

RegistrationSG52 EAE
MakeBMW
Model520
Year2002
ColourBlue
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

17 pass 14 fail
Pass 15 Apr 2026 142,870 miles

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

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

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 14 Apr 2026 142,870 miles

Nearside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

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

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

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

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

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 10 Apr 2025 135,590 miles

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

Nearside Steering rack gaiter damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt close to excessive (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

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))

battery light on

both front tyres wearing on edges

Pass 8 Apr 2024 127,745 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 26 Mar 2024 127,714 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 11 Mar 2023 117,719 miles

Central Front Lower Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 28 Feb 2023 117,702 miles

Central Rear Outer Brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture rubber brake split badly (1.1.11 (a)) DANGEROUS

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

Offside Rear Outer Brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture rubber brake pipe split (1.1.11 (a)) DANGEROUS

Central Front Lower Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 8 Feb 2022 109,100 miles

Parking brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (1.4.2 (a) (i))

both front headlamps slightly deteriorated

Fail 7 Feb 2022 109,084 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 22 Dec 2020 104,123 miles

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

Pass 16 Dec 2019 97,739 miles
Fail 16 Dec 2019 97,738 miles

Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

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

Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

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

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

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 12 Dec 2018 93,332 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Fail 11 Dec 2018 93,332 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))

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

Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

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

Nearside Front Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Headlamp lens slightly defective (4.1.1 (b) (i))

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

Pass 11 Dec 2017 88,438 miles

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

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (1.7.5a)

windscreen damaged

Fail 10 Dec 2017 88,438 miles

Central Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output (1.7.5a)

windscreen damaged

Pass 19 Dec 2016 84,908 miles
Fail 18 Dec 2016 84,908 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

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

Offside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 7 Jan 2016 81,337 miles

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)

child seats fitted

Fail 7 Jan 2016 81,337 miles

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

Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

child seats fitted

Pass 16 Jan 2015 78,596 miles

Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

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

Pass 20 Jan 2014 76,207 miles
Fail 16 Jan 2014 76,197 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

eml light on

Fail 9 Jan 2013 76,184 miles

Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)

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

Pass 28 Jul 2008 73,775 miles
Fail 28 Jul 2008 73,774 miles

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

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

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

Pass 24 Aug 2007 58,576 miles

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

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

Pass 4 Aug 2006 42,752 miles
Fail 4 Aug 2006 42,752 miles

Nearside Rear brake disc excessively scored (3.5.1h)

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

Offside Rear brake disc excessively scored (3.5.1h)

Pass 19 Aug 2005 32,848 miles
Fail 19 Aug 2005 32,844 miles

Nearside Rear brake disc excessively scored (3.5.1h)

Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

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

SG52 EAE is a 2002 BMW 520 in Blue with a 2,171cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 54.8%.

Across all 2002 BMW 520 models, the average MOT pass rate is 73.7% with a typical mileage of 93,444 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 SG52 EAE, 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 24 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 SG52 EAE?

You can check the full history of SG52 EAE by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was SG52 EAE registered?

SG52 EAE is a 2002 BMW 520, first registered on 25 September 2002.

Is SG52 EAE safe to buy?

The MOT history for SG52 EAE shows 31 tests with a 54.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does SG52 EAE 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 SG52 EAE. 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.