1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 BMW 5 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

255 MOT tests in 2024. 64.7% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

98Below average
Passed first time64.7%
Failed or needed repairs35.3%
Typical mileage at test132,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 255 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements7.5%
  2. Washers: not working3.9%
  3. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.5%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.5%
  5. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.7%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.7%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
  8. Position lamp: not working2.4%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.4%
  10. Headlamp aim: too low2.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes19.6%
  2. Lights & electrics19.6%
  3. Emissions & leaks15.3%
  4. Suspension14.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)11.4%
  6. Body & chassis5.5%
  7. Steering5.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.0%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.5%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.8%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.8%
  5. Non-component advisories: Fuel Pipe/s corroded8.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. 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 1996 BMW 5 Series?

In 2024, 64.7% of 1996 BMW 5 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 255 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 BMW 5 Series?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; washers: not working; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1996 BMW 5 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 98, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).