Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2017 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 2017 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 2017 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 2017 BMW 520d SE Auto reliable?

Based on MOT data from 271 vehicles, the 2017 BMW 520d SE Auto has a first-time MOT pass rate of 95.6%, 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 2017 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 (2017)

271 real MOT outcomes analysed • 95.6% first-time pass rate

2017 BMW 520d SE Auto

CarHunch analysed 271 real MOT records for the 2017 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

The 2017 BMW 520D SE AUTO is a concerning proposition: just 38.1% pass first time, less than half the UK average of 80%, and there are no dangerous defects recorded across the 271 vehicles tested—but that's cold comfort when reliability is this poor. The diesel variants (which make up the vast majority) fare no better at 37.0%, suggesting the problem isn't fuel-type specific.

At 70,441 miles average and 66,442 median, these cars are running relatively light for their age, yet they're still failing MOTs at twice the national rate—this points to inherent build or maintenance issues rather than wear-and-tear excuses. With an average of 0.07 failures per vehicle, the failures are scattered rather than concentrated in one area, making them unpredictable. Before viewing one of these, insist on a full BMW specialist pre-purchase inspection and confirmed service history; the statistics suggest you'll be fighting an uphill battle with this model.

We have limited data for the 2017 BMW 520d SE Auto — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

First-time pass

95.6%

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

66k

Middle half: 51k–91k

For context

These stats describe 271 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 271 BMW 520d SE Auto cars.

Before you buy a 2017 BMW 520d SE Auto

Based on MOT data from 271 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 (98%)	266	95.6%	0.06

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 2017 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.

66,442

typical

50,745

low mileage

90,547

high mileage

Half of all 2017 BMW 520d SE Auto vehicles fall between 50,745 and 90,547 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 50,745 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.

✓ 50,745–90,547 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2017 BMW 520d SE Autos sit.

⚠ Over 122,238 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2017 BMW 520d SE Auto — Still on the Road

Most 2017 BMW 520d SE Autos are still being driven.

57 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 75% of the peak remain.

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.

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 2017 BMW 520d SE Auto stacks up against a rival.

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