2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 BMW m5 MOT pass rate and common faults

242 MOT tests in 2024. 83.1% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

140Well above average
Passed first time83.1%
Failed or needed repairs16.9%
Typical mileage at test117,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 242 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: too low2.5%
  2. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.7%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.2%
  4. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced1.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.2%
    5 marked dangerous
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.2%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn0.8%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.8%
  9. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault0.8%
  10. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics6.2%
  2. Suspension5.8%
  3. Brakes5.4%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.7%
  5. Body & chassis2.5%
  6. Tyres2.1%
  7. Seat belts & airbags1.7%
  8. Steering1.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.9%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.4%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.2%
  4. Transmission oil leaks: leaking excessively from transmission5.0%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine5.0%

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: headlamp aim: too low. 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 2001 BMW m5?

In 2024, 83.1% of 2001 BMW m5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 242 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 BMW m5?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: too low; washers: provides insufficient washer liquid; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 BMW m5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 140, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).