BMW 525 (2009)
2009 BMW 525
CarHunch analysed 1,516 real MOT records for the 2009 BMW 525. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2009 BMW 525 passes its MOT at 81.4%, fractionally above the UK average, but nearly half of these cars (45.6%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a serious concern that should prompt thorough inspection of any used example you're considering. Diesel and petrol variants perform similarly, both hovering around 81% first-time pass rates.
These cars are averaging 95,890 miles at test, which is reasonable for their age, yet they rack up nearly 15 advisories per vehicle and almost 3 failures each—suggesting the 525 demands attentive maintenance to stay reliable. Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on suspension, cooling system, and electrical components, as these figures hint at where the age-related wear typically shows up.
What to check before buying a 2009 BMW 525
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.
- ⚠️ 45.6% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 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 525
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 (83%) | 1,254 | 81.3% | 3 |
| Petrol (17%) | 262 | 82.3% | 2.7 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2009 BMW 525 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 2009 BMW 525 vehicles fall between 76,468 and 121,599 miles.
2009 BMW 525 — Still on the Road
977 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 71% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2009 BMW 525
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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68.2%
Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
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60.2%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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59.6%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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51%
Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay
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41.4%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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40.3%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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30.7%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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29.5%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2009. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific BMW 525?
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