CarVerify

Free Car Check

V974 ERD

1999 BMW 523

Silver Petrol 2494cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires24 Feb 2027
Tests31 (21 pass, 10 fail)
Pass rate67.7%

Mileage

144,366 mi
Last recorded144,366 miles
Recorded on25 Feb 2026
Typical for 1999 BMW 523117,158 mi

Above average mileage for this year

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

RegistrationV974 ERD
MakeBMW
Model523
Year1999
ColourSilver
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

21 pass 10 fail
Pass 25 Feb 2026 144,366 miles

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

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

Fail 17 Feb 2026 144,366 miles

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

Offside Front Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt inner (6.1.7 (g) (ii))

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

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

Pass 20 Feb 2025 144,366 miles

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

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

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

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

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp does not illuminate (7.1.6 (a))

Pass 14 Feb 2024 144,367 miles

Direction indicator slightly discoloured all lamps (4.4.3 (a))

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

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

Offside Front Obligatory indirect vision device slightly damaged (3.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Pass 25 Feb 2023 143,723 miles
Fail 23 Feb 2023 143,708 miles

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

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

Nearside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced damp in lens (4.1.4 (b))

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

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

Offside Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced damp in lens (4.1.4 (b))

Pass 10 Feb 2022 142,455 miles

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

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))

Fail 10 Feb 2022 142,454 miles

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

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

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 10 Feb 2021 141,768 miles

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

Front Windscreen wiper blade defective both (3.4 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material x2 corroded and covered (1.1.11 (c))

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

under body covers fitted

Fail 3 Feb 2021 141,765 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Rear Inner Cab or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a cab mounting sill corroded and holed (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Rear Registration plate inscription illegible (0.1 (b))

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

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

Front Windscreen wiper blade defective both (3.4 (b) (i))

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material x2 corroded and covered (1.1.11 (c))

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

under body covers fitted

Pass 17 Dec 2019 141,244 miles

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

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

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

Rear Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

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

Fail 11 Dec 2019 141,243 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Registration plate lamp does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps (4.7.2 (a))

Offside Front Driver's seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. (6.2.5 (b) (i))

Offside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Offside Registration plate lamp does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps (4.7.2 (a))

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))

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

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

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

Rear Brake disc worn, but not excessively (1.1.14 (a) (i))

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

Pass 12 Jan 2019 140,519 miles

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

oil leak

Fail 8 Jan 2019 140,518 miles

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

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced inner sill (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault (7.1.6 (a))

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

Front Brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

oil leak

Pass 6 Dec 2017 139,460 miles

Oil leak ()

Pass 12 Dec 2016 138,348 miles

Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced both (1.7.5a)

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

Oil leak ()

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

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

Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt both sides rear outer (2.4.G.2)

Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both (3.5.1i)

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

parking prake just met the minimum requirment

Pass 16 Dec 2015 137,092 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

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

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

Offside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

oil leak

Pass 9 Dec 2014 135,837 miles

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

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

Pass 10 Dec 2013 134,917 miles

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

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

Pass 12 Dec 2012 133,590 miles

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

Fail 11 Dec 2012 133,590 miles

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

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

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

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Pass 15 Dec 2011 132,185 miles
Fail 14 Dec 2011 132,185 miles

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

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

Pass 17 Dec 2010 130,640 miles
Fail 8 Dec 2010 130,634 miles

Emissions not tested (7.0)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Pass 7 Dec 2009 128,878 miles

rear no plate slightly faded

Fail 7 Dec 2009 128,878 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

rear no plate slightly faded

Pass 5 Dec 2008 126,693 miles
Pass 6 Dec 2007 124,082 miles
Pass 8 Dec 2006 121,945 miles

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

Pass 10 Dec 2005 117,599 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

V974 ERD is a 1999 BMW 523 in Silver with a 2,494cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 31 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 67.7%.

Across all 1999 BMW 523 models, the average MOT pass rate is 68.7% with a typical mileage of 117,158 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 V974 ERD, 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 27 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 V974 ERD?

You can check the full history of V974 ERD by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was V974 ERD registered?

V974 ERD is a 1999 BMW 523, first registered on 21 December 1999.

Is V974 ERD safe to buy?

The MOT history for V974 ERD shows 31 tests with a 67.7% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does V974 ERD 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 V974 ERD. 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.