BMW 520d SE Auto (2013)
2013 BMW 520d SE Auto
CarHunch analysed 406 real MOT records for the 2013 BMW 520d SE Auto. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2013 BMW 520D has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 38.4%, less than half the UK average of 80%, which is a serious red flag for reliability. The good news is that dangerous defects are rare at 0%, but you should expect roughly two in five of these cars to fail their MOT, making pre-purchase inspection and regular maintenance essential.
The median mileage of 100,538 miles is typical for a 2013 model, so age-related wear rather than abuse is the likely culprit behind the failures. With an average of 0.39 failures per vehicle, most issues are probably routine wear items like brakes, suspension, and emissions components—exactly what you'd budget for on an 11-year-old German diesel, so factor in £800–£1,500 annually for upkeep before making an offer.
What to check before buying a 2013 BMW 520d SE Auto
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a BMW 520d SE Auto
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (100%) | 405 | 38.3% | 0.39 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (0%) | 1 | 80% | 2 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2013 BMW 520d SE Auto vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2013 BMW 520d SE Auto vehicles fall between 83,377 and 127,082 miles.
2013 BMW 520d SE Auto — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 124 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 84% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific BMW 520d SE Auto?
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