BMW 520d SE Auto (2010)
2010 BMW 520d SE Auto
CarHunch analysed 475 real MOT records for the 2010 BMW 520d SE Auto.
Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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Moderate sample. 475 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.
The 2010 BMW 520D SE AUTO is a serious reliability concern: only 20.6% pass the MOT first time compared to the UK average of 80%, meaning roughly four out of five examples fail their test. The good news is that dangerous defects are essentially absent at 0%, so while these cars need work, they're not inherently unsafe.
At 126,800 miles median mileage, these diesels are well-used but not exceptional for their age, yet they're still racking up an average of 0.26 failures per test—suggesting underlying mechanical issues rather than wear and tear alone. Before buying one, budget for a pre-purchase inspection by a BMW diesel specialist, as the MOT record indicates systemic problems that will need addressing.
The 2010 BMW 520d SE Auto passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (84.5%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.
These stats describe 475 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.
See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches
Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 475 BMW 520d SE Auto cars.
Before you buy a 2010 BMW 520d SE Auto
Based on MOT data from 475 vehicles — here's what to check.
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Check the full MOT history.
0% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded -
recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle. -
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Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price.
Inspection
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Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically.
History
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (100%) | 474 | 84.6% | 0.26 |
Colour Breakdown
Based on 4,390 BMW 520d SE Auto vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.
Mileage Distribution
Most 2010 BMW 520d SE Auto vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2010 BMW 520d SE Auto vehicles fall between 101,077 and 147,130 miles.
2010 BMW 520d SE Auto — Still on the Road
Most 2010 BMW 520d SE Autos are still being driven.
64 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 74% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.
MOT History Averages
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