1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 BMW 5 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

751 MOT tests in 2024. 63.8% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

98About average
Passed first time63.8%
Failed or needed repairs36.2%
Typical mileage at test126,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 751 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.7%
  2. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.6%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.2%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.2%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.2%
  6. Headlamp aim: too low2.9%
  7. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.8%
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.8%
  9. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.5%
  10. Washers: not working2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension22.9%
  2. Brakes22.2%
  3. Lights & electrics19.0%
  4. Emissions & leaks15.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.4%
  6. Seat belts & airbags6.4%
  7. Body & chassis5.7%
  8. Tyres4.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.0%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.5%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.2%

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: 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 1998 BMW 5 Series?

In 2024, 63.8% of 1998 BMW 5 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 751 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 BMW 5 Series?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1998 BMW 5 Series reliable at MOT time?

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