What year BMW 520i Auto is most reliable?

Based on MOT first-test pass rates, the 1984 BMW 520i Auto has the highest pass rate at 100.0%, out of 873 vehicles tested.

What are the most common BMW 520i Auto MOT failures?

The most common BMW 520i Auto MOT failures vary by year. Check the individual year pages for detailed defect breakdowns — links in the table above.

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BMW 520i Auto — Reliability by Year

5,483 vehicles · MOT data 1981–1987 · first-test pass rates

This page shows MOT first-test pass rates for each year the BMW 520i Auto was manufactured — click any year to explore that cohort in detail. Trying to decide which year to buy? See the full buying guide →

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Best pass rate year

1984

100.0% pass rate · 873 vehicles

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Lowest pass rate year

1985

50.0% pass rate · 1,006 vehicles

Year	Pass rate	Avg mileage	Vehicles
1987	—	—	366
1986	—	—	762
1985	50.0%	87,600 mi	1,006
1984	100.0%	76,296 mi	873
1983	—	—	1,074
1982	—	—	1,277
1981	—	—	125

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