Bmw 1502 vs Bmw 520: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Bmw 1502
65%
MOT pass rate · 798 vehicles
Bmw 520
78%
MOT pass rate · 156,398 vehicles
More reliable
Verdict: On MOT pass rate, the Bmw 520 is the more reliable of the two — 78% pass first time versus 65%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Head to head
| Measure | Bmw 1502 | Bmw 520 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 65% | 78% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 35% | 22% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.5 | 1.6 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 1% ✓ | 3% |
| Average mileage | 58,254 mi | 134,460 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 798 | 156,398 |
Most common faults
Bmw 1502
- Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (7.3.B.1a)
- Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
- Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)
- Horn not working (1.6.2a)
- Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)
- Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
Bmw 520
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate, the Bmw 520 is the more reliable of the two — 78% pass first time versus 65%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Full Bmw 1502 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.