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W488 LJF

2000 BMW 523

Black Petrol 2494cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires15 Feb 2027
Tests30 (21 pass, 9 fail)
Pass rate70%

Mileage

170,331 mi
Last recorded170,331 miles
Recorded on21 Jan 2026
Typical for 2000 BMW 523111,598 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationW488 LJF
MakeBMW
Model523
Year2000
ColourBlack
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 9 fail
Pass 21 Jan 2026 170,331 miles

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

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

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 19 Jan 2026 170,311 miles

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

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

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

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 23 Jan 2025 164,211 miles

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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 22 Jan 2025 164,211 miles

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Oil leaking excessively from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

Nearside Rear Nail in tyre ()

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

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

Pass 16 Feb 2024 159,065 miles

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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

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))

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

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

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

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

Fail 22 Jan 2024 158,924 miles

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

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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))

Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

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 Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (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 Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Seat belt slightly damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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))

rear exhaust heat shield loose

Pass 30 Jan 2023 151,658 miles

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

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

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

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (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 Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

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

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))

rear exhaust heat shield loose

Fail 19 Jan 2023 151,554 miles

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (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 Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

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

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))

rear exhaust heat shield loose

Pass 15 Nov 2021 145,110 miles

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

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil advise replacement (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside headlamp condensated

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

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

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

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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))

rear exhaust heat shield loose

Pass 9 Nov 2020 139,589 miles

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

Nearside headlamp condensated and aim on lowest limit

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

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

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

both rear outer sills slight corrosion

rear hub bushes worn both sides

Pass 20 Nov 2019 134,692 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

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

Nearside headlamp condensated and pattern deteriorated

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

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

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

rear suspension lower hub bushes worn both sides

Pass 27 Nov 2018 127,417 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

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

Offside Rear tyre slight perishing

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

rear lower suspension hub bushes worn

Fail 26 Nov 2018 127,417 miles

Boot lid cannot be secured in the closed position (6.2.1 (e))

Brake pipe excessively corroded front to rears (1.1.11 (c))

Central Seat belt buckle missing (7.1.2 (d))

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

Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers light misting of oil or has limited damping effect (5.3.2 (b))

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

Offside Rear tyre slight perishing

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

hi level brake light not working

rear lower suspension hub bushes worn

Pass 1 Dec 2017 121,381 miles

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

Oil leak ()

slight wear n/s/rear inner

slight wear o/s/rear inner

Pass 3 Dec 2016 117,171 miles

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

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

Oil leak ()

centre stop lamp not working

Fail 2 Dec 2016 117,171 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Brake hose modified but not seriously weakened (3.6.A.3)

Offside Rear Brake hose modified but not seriously weakened (3.6.A.3)

Oil leak ()

centre stop lamp not working

Pass 30 Jan 2016 116,541 miles
Fail 30 Jan 2016 116,541 miles

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Pass 31 Jan 2015 112,753 miles
Fail 3 Feb 2014 107,894 miles

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

Pass 3 Feb 2014 107,894 miles
Pass 29 Jan 2013 102,877 miles
Fail 29 Jan 2013 102,877 miles

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Pass 31 Jan 2012 98,305 miles
Pass 11 Aug 2010 92,903 miles
Pass 7 Aug 2009 87,187 miles
Pass 7 Aug 2008 81,124 miles
Pass 9 Aug 2007 76,715 miles
Pass 29 Jul 2006 72,885 miles
Pass 21 Jul 2005 69,234 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

W488 LJF is a 2000 BMW 523 in Black with a 2,494cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 30 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 70%.

Across all 2000 BMW 523 models, the average MOT pass rate is 69.9% with a typical mileage of 111,598 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 W488 LJF, 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 26 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 W488 LJF?

You can check the full history of W488 LJF by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was W488 LJF registered?

W488 LJF is a 2000 BMW 523, first registered on 8 June 2000.

Is W488 LJF safe to buy?

The MOT history for W488 LJF shows 30 tests with a 70% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does W488 LJF 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 W488 LJF. 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.