2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 BMW m5 MOT pass rate and common faults

162 MOT tests in 2024. 88.3% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

152Well above average
Passed first time88.3%
Failed or needed repairs11.7%
Typical mileage at test117,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 162 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.1%
  2. Headlamp levelling device: inoperative1.9%
  3. Washers: not working1.9%
  4. Side repeaters: incorrect colour1.2%
  5. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced1.2%
  6. Position lamp: not working1.2%
  7. Rear fog lamp: not working1.2%
  8. Individual direction indicators: not working1.2%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.2%
  10. Headlamp aim: too high1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics15.4%
  2. Brakes9.9%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.5%
  4. Emissions & leaks2.5%
  5. Suspension1.9%
  6. Seat belts & airbags1.2%
  7. Body & chassis1.2%
  8. Steering1.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.3%
  2. Non-component advisories: Fuel Pipe/s corroded8.6%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm5.6%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine4.3%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.3%

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: rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. 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 2002 BMW m5?

In 2024, 88.3% of 2002 BMW m5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 162 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 BMW m5?

The most common failure reasons were rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; headlamp levelling device: inoperative; washers: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 BMW m5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 152, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).