BMW

BMW 528 (2013)

116 real MOT outcomes analysed • 87.3% first-time pass rate

2013 BMW 528

CarHunch analysed 116 real MOT records for the 2013 BMW 528. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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The 2013 BMW 528 passes its MOT first time at 87.3%, which is a solid 7.3 percentage points above the UK average, suggesting these cars are generally well-maintained—though the 31.9% that have suffered a dangerous defect at some point is a genuine red flag for any prospective buyer. Petrol and diesel breakdowns aren't available, so this verdict applies across both fuel types equally.

At 52,100 miles median, these nine-year-old BMWs are sitting right where you'd expect them to be, and the average 1.49 failures per test suggests nothing structurally alarming. However, the 7.1 advisories per vehicle hint at the typical costs of keeping a premium German sedan on the road—brakes, suspension, and electrical gremlins add up. If you're considering one, get a pre-purchase inspection from a BMW-specialist mechanic, not a generalist.

We have limited data for the 2013 BMW 528 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
87.3%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
31.9%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.49
Over 10.1 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
52k
Middle half: 39k–67k
For context

These stats describe 116 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.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 116 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 40%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 23.7%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 16.3%
Oil leak, but not excessive · Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view · Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2013.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 116 BMW 528 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2013 BMW 528

Based on MOT data from 116 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 31.9% 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 ClickMechanic
  • 📄 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 carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Mileage Distribution

Most 2013 BMW 528 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.

52,100
typical
39,153
low mileage
66,581
high mileage

Half of all 2013 BMW 528 vehicles fall between 39,153 and 66,581 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 39,153 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.
39,153–66,581 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2013 BMW 528s sit.
Over 89,884 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2013 BMW 528 — Still on the Road

Almost all 2013 BMW 528s are still on the road.

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

100 100 2016 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2016–2025.
* 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

10.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.49
Avg failures per vehicle
7.1
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — BMW 528: All 528 years → Which year to buy? →
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Compare with another model

See how the 2013 BMW 528 stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing