BMW

BMW 528 (2016)

164 real MOT outcomes analysed • 91.1% first-time pass rate

2016 BMW 528

CarHunch analysed 164 real MOT records for the 2016 BMW 528. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page
AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2016 BMW 528 passes its MOT at 91.1%, well above the UK average of 80%, which suggests solid reliability for the model year—though nearly 30% have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, a concern worth investigating on any used example you're considering. The median mileage of 41,134 is reasonable for an eight-year-old car, and the low failure rate of 0.76 per vehicle indicates these BMWs rarely need major fixes, though the high advisory count of 4.6 per car points to the typical wear items and minor issues that come with German luxury ownership. When budgeting for ownership, expect routine maintenance costs rather than catastrophic repairs, but always get a pre-purchase inspection to verify service history and rule out that dangerous defect risk.

We have limited data for the 2016 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
91.1%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
29.3%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.76
Over 7.6 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
41k
Middle half: 31k–54k
For context

These stats describe 164 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 164 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 40.2%
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 14.4%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Nearside 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 12.1%
Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view · Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · Oil leak, but not excessive

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 164 BMW 528 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2016 BMW 528

Based on MOT data from 164 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 29.3% 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 2016 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.

41,134
typical
30,659
low mileage
54,070
high mileage

Half of all 2016 BMW 528 vehicles fall between 30,659 and 54,070 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 30,659 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.
30,659–54,070 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2016 BMW 528s sit.
Over 72,994 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 528 — Still on the Road

Almost all 2016 BMW 528s are still on the road.

Strong survival — 155 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 97% of the peak.

159 155 2019 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
* 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

7.6
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.76
Avg failures per vehicle
4.6
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — BMW 528: All 528 years → Which year to buy? →
1986 1987 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2010 2011 2013 2014 2015

Or browse all models: BMW →

BMW logo

Compare with another model

See how the 2016 BMW 528 stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing