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L6 PTL

1997 BMW 520

Silver Petrol 1991cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires27 Aug 2026
Tests23 (20 pass, 3 fail)
Pass rate87%

Mileage

69,215 mi
Last recorded69,215 miles
Recorded on11 Aug 2025
Typical for 1997 BMW 520121,946 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this BMW
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationL6 PTL
MakeBMW
Model520
Year1997
ColourSilver
Fuel typePetrol
Engine1,991cc

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Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

20 pass 3 fail
Pass 11 Aug 2025 69,215 miles
Pass 13 Aug 2024 68,871 miles
Pass 25 Aug 2023 68,415 miles
Pass 19 Aug 2022 68,001 miles

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing outer edge (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing outer sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 24 Aug 2021 67,461 miles
Pass 24 Aug 2020 66,857 miles
Pass 23 Aug 2019 66,104 miles
Pass 28 Aug 2018 65,332 miles
Fail 21 Aug 2018 65,331 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (b))

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

Pass 24 Jul 2017 63,537 miles

Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Pass 15 Aug 2016 63,215 miles
Pass 17 Aug 2015 62,835 miles
Pass 14 Aug 2014 62,476 miles
Pass 22 Aug 2013 62,276 miles

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Fail 22 Aug 2013 62,276 miles

Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault (5.4.2)

Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Pass 14 Aug 2012 61,936 miles

Airbag light on

Pass 8 Aug 2011 61,753 miles
Pass 9 Aug 2010 61,466 miles
Pass 17 Aug 2009 61,311 miles
Fail 17 Aug 2009 61,311 miles

Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Pass 19 Aug 2008 61,179 miles
Pass 21 Aug 2007 60,813 miles
Pass 22 Aug 2006 60,216 miles

How Reliable is the BMW 520?

Based on 1,661,806 MOT tests across 152,584 vehicles.

78.5%
Pass Rate
7,968
Miles/Year
35
Year Lifespan
152,584
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 47,121
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements 22,647
Brake pipe excessively corroded 16,724
Tyre has ply or cords exposed 15,884
Track rod end ball joint has excessive play 14,720
Full BMW 520 reliability report

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L6 PTL is a 1997 BMW 520 in Silver with a 1,991cc petrol engine. This vehicle has been through 23 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 87%.

Across all 1997 BMW 520 models, the average MOT pass rate is 65.6% with a typical mileage of 121,946 miles. This particular vehicle has performed better than the average for its year.

The most common reason a BMW 520 fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 47,121 recorded failures. If you're considering buying L6 PTL, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The BMW 520 typically stays on UK roads for around 35 years. At 29 years old, this BMW 520 is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of L6 PTL?

You can check the full history of L6 PTL by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was L6 PTL registered?

L6 PTL is a 1997 BMW 520, first registered on 6 August 1997.

Is L6 PTL safe to buy?

The MOT history for L6 PTL shows 23 tests with a 87% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does L6 PTL have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on L6 PTL. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.