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Bmw 1000gs vs Bmw 520: reliability comparison

MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.

Bmw 1000gs
79%
MOT pass rate · 2 vehicles
Bmw 520
78%
MOT pass rate · 156,398 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Bmw 1000gs (79%) and Bmw 520 (78%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Head to head

Measure Bmw 1000gs Bmw 520
MOT pass rate 79% ✓ 78%
MOT failure rate 21% ✓ 22%
Faults & advisories per test 0.9 ✓ 1.6
Dangerous-fault share 4% 3% ✓
Average mileage 45,858 mi 134,460 mi
Sample size (vehicles) 2 156,398

Most common faults

Bmw 1000gs

  1. Steering headbearing has slight free play (2.2.2 (f) (i))
  2. Rear Brake pedal has slight side movement indicating a worn pedal bearing or pivot (1.1.1 (b))
  3. Steering headbearing slightly stiff or notchy very lightly notchy with wheel raised,may alter when nut is tightened (2.2.2 (f) (i))
  4. gear lever pivot slightly worn
  5. rear brake failed to lock rollers on brake tester. better brake expected.
  6. Rear Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort (1.2.1 (e))

Bmw 520

  1. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  2. Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  3. Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  4. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  5. Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
  6. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Reliability FAQ

On MOT pass rate the Bmw 1000gs (79%) and Bmw 520 (78%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.

Full Bmw 1000gs report Full Bmw 520 report Most reliable cars

Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.