Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2011 BMW 520d SE Auto?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2011 BMW 520d SE Auto?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2011 BMW 520d SE Auto?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2011 BMW 520d SE Auto reliable?

Based on MOT data from 622 vehicles, the 2011 BMW 520d SE Auto has a first-time MOT pass rate of 84.7%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2011 BMW 520d SE Auto?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

CarHunch

Get Started

BMW 520d SE Auto (2011)

622 real MOT outcomes analysed • 84.7% first-time pass rate

2011 BMW 520d SE Auto

CarHunch analysed 622 real MOT records for the 2011 BMW 520d SE Auto. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page

AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

This 2011 BMW 520D is a serious reliability concern: only 25.6% pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%, and diesel versions fare identically poorly at 25.2%. The complete absence of dangerous defects is positive, but the overwhelming failure rate suggests systemic issues that buyers should investigate carefully before purchase.

At 119,700 miles these cars are well-used, yet they're averaging just 0.34 failures per vehicle—a surprisingly low number given the first-time pass disaster. The disconnect between failure count and pass rate indicates most cars are racking up multiple attempts to clear their tests, pointing to recurring or complex faults rather than isolated problems. Get a pre-purchase inspection from a BMW-specialist mechanic and ask the seller for a full MOT history to see which components keep failing.

The 2011 BMW 520d SE Auto passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (84.7%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

First-time pass

84.7%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.34

Over 2.6 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

120k

Middle half: 93k–144k

For context

🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.

These stats describe 622 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.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 622 BMW 520d SE Auto cars.

Before you buy a 2011 BMW 520d SE Auto

Based on MOT data from 622 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 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.
🔍 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 →
📄 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 Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Diesel (99%)	618	84.6%	0.33

Colour Breakdown

Based on 4,390 BMW 520d SE Auto vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 29.5%

1,293

Grey 25%

1,098

Blue 17.4%

765

Silver 13.9%

609

White 12.1%

532

Brown 1%

Green 0.4%

Bronze 0.3%

Red 0.3%

Gold 0.1%

Mileage Distribution

Most 2011 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.

119,711

typical

93,469

low mileage

144,079

high mileage

Half of all 2011 BMW 520d SE Auto vehicles fall between 93,469 and 144,079 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 93,469 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 93,469–144,079 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2011 BMW 520d SE Autos sit.

⚠ Over 194,506 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2011 BMW 520d SE Auto — Still on the Road

Most 2011 BMW 520d SE Autos are still being driven.

115 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 77% 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

2.6

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.34

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — BMW 520d SE Auto: All 520d SE Auto years → Which year to buy? →

2006 2008 2010 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Or browse all models: BMW →

Compare with another model

See how the 2011 BMW 520d SE Auto stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?