1994 · 30 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1994 BMW 5 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

194 MOT tests in 2024. 68.0% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time68.0%
Failed or needed repairs32.0%
Typical mileage at test136,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 194 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.2%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.1%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.1%
  4. Position lamp: not working3.1%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.6%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
  7. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.1%
  8. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.1%
  9. Washers: not working2.1%
  10. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Emissions & leaks21.6%
  2. Lights & electrics20.1%
  3. Suspension16.5%
  4. Brakes14.4%
  5. Body & chassis7.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.7%
  7. Steering3.1%
  8. Tyres3.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.0%
  3. Non-component advisories: Fuel Pipe/s corroded11.9%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.8%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak7.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1994 BMW 5 Series?

In 2024, 68.0% of 1994 BMW 5 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 194 tests. The average for all 30-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1994 BMW 5 Series?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1994 BMW 5 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).