2005 · 19 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2005 BMW m5 MOT pass rate and common faults

227 MOT tests in 2024. 86.8% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

153Well above average
Passed first time86.8%
Failed or needed repairs13.2%
Typical mileage at test91,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 227 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.2%
  2. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.8%
    9 marked dangerous
  4. Registration plates: does not conform to the specified requirements1.3%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded1.3%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.9%
  7. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault0.9%
  8. Washers: not working0.9%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes7.5%
  2. Lights & electrics5.7%
  3. Suspension4.8%
  4. Tyres3.1%
  5. Emissions & leaks3.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.2%
  7. Number plates & VIN1.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.5%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.0%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.0%

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: malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. 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 2005 BMW m5?

In 2024, 86.8% of 2005 BMW m5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 227 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 BMW m5?

The most common failure reasons were malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; service brake performance: excessively binding; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2005 BMW m5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 153, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).