1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 BMW 5 Series MOT pass rate and common faults

922 MOT tests in 2024. 64.6% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

102Above average
Passed first time64.6%
Failed or needed repairs35.4%
Typical mileage at test134,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 922 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.3%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.2%
  3. Position lamp: not working3.6%
  4. Washers: not working3.3%
  5. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.9%
  6. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.6%
  7. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.5%
  8. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.5%
  9. Headlamp aim: too low2.4%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics23.4%
  2. Brakes20.1%
  3. Suspension18.7%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.3%
  5. Steering6.3%
  6. Tyres5.7%
  7. Seat belts & airbags5.4%
  8. Emissions & leaks4.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.9%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.5%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.0%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 1999 BMW 5 Series?

In 2024, 64.6% of 1999 BMW 5 Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 922 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 BMW 5 Series?

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

Is the 1999 BMW 5 Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).