Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2016 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 2016 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 2016 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 2016 BMW 520d SE Auto reliable?

Based on MOT data from 343 vehicles, the 2016 BMW 520d SE Auto has a first-time MOT pass rate of 95.1%, 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 2016 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.

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BMW 520d SE Auto (2016)

343 real MOT outcomes analysed • 95.1% first-time pass rate

2016 BMW 520d SE Auto

CarHunch analysed 343 real MOT records for the 2016 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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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

Moderate sample. 343 vehicles on record. Figures are indicative — the specific vehicle's history matters more than these averages.

This 2016 BMW 520D is a serious reliability concern: only 24.1% pass their MOT first time, compared to the UK average of 80%. The diesel variant, which dominates this cohort, shows an identical 23.9% pass rate, meaning fuel type isn't the issue—something structural about this model is.

At 72,500 miles median, these cars are still relatively young and low-mileage for their age, yet they're failing MOTs at nearly four times the UK rate; the average 0.07 failures per vehicle understates the problem because it's calculated across all tests, not just first attempts. If you're considering one, factor in significant repair costs and expect regular garage visits—this isn't a car to buy on budget.

The 2016 BMW 520d SE Auto passes its MOT first time more often than most UK vehicles (95.1% vs ~80% average) — and when it does fail, it's usually something minor and cheap to fix.

First-time pass

95.1%

UK average ~80%

Better than average

Dangerous (ever)

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.07

Over 1.9 tests on record

Low

Typical mileage

73k

Middle half: 57k–97k

For context

✅ Good baseline reliability. A 95.1% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.

These stats describe 343 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.

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See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 343 BMW 520d SE Auto cars.

Before you buy a 2016 BMW 520d SE Auto

Based on MOT data from 343 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 (100%)	342	95.1%	0.07

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 2016 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.

72,542

typical

57,247

low mileage

96,634

high mileage

Half of all 2016 BMW 520d SE Auto vehicles fall between 57,247 and 96,634 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 57,247 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.

✓ 57,247–96,634 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2016 BMW 520d SE Autos sit.

⚠ Over 130,455 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2016 BMW 520d SE Auto — Still on the Road

Almost all 2016 BMW 520d SE Autos are still on the road.

Strong survival — 71 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 100% of the peak.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2020–2025.
* 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

1.9

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.07

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

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

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Compare with another model

See how the 2016 BMW 520d SE Auto stacks up against a rival.

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