Motoring Today

BMW 5 Series MOT reliability

Reliability from 9 BMW 5 Series cars with real DVSA MOT history — how often they pass first time, the most common failure reasons, and how much MOT life is left.

Reviewed by the Motoring Today Editorial team · methodology in our editorial standards.

How reliable is the BMW 5 Series at MOT?

Across 6 BMW 5 Series cars on Motoring Today, the average first-time MOT pass rate is 83%. 83% of stock currently holds a valid MOT, with a median of 7 months left on the certificate. The most common reasons these cars fail an MOT are tyres, other and drivetrain, from real DVSA test history.

Avg pass rate
83%
Valid MOT
5 / 6
Median MOT left
7 mo
Top failure
Tyres

Motoring Today currently lists 6 BMW 5 Series models available, with prices starting from £7,990 or a representative monthly payment of £249. This model achieves a DVSA MOT pass rate of 85.93% across 74,015 tests conducted nationwide. While this is a strong indicator, it's important to remember that a pass rate reflects vehicles presented for inspection, not necessarily lifetime reliability, and failures often correlate with a car's age and how well it has been maintained, rather than the badge itself. The most common reasons for a BMW 5 Series failing its MOT are predominantly related to tyres, accounting for 35% of all failures. This is followed by lighting and electrical issues at 21%, then suspension at 11% and brakes at 10%. For a used car buyer, this highlights crucial areas to scrutinise. Worn tyres are easily visible – check the tread depth across the whole tyre. Lighting issues can range from simple bulb replacements to more complex wiring, so test all exterior lights. For suspension, listen for knocking noises and feel for excessive bounciness, and check for leaks around the shock absorbers. Brake efficiency can be tested during a drive, but also inspect for uneven pad wear or corroded discs. These common failure points provide a practical checklist for anyone considering a used BMW 5 Series. While failures can be a nuisance, they often relate to consumable parts or age-related wear and tear rather than fundamental design flaws. Always review the full MOT history available on every listing on Motoring Today to understand the individual car's past performance before purchase.

83First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
5 / 6
83% road-ready
Median MOT left
7 mo
Expiring < 2 mo
0
Plan for an MOT soon after purchase

Most common MOT failures on the BMW 5 Series

Grouped reasons for MOT rejection across 9 BMW 5 Series cars with DVSA test history in our stock (13 recorded failure items, 5 of them dangerous).

Failure areaRecorded failuresShare of failures
Tyres431%
Other323%
Drivetrain215%
Emissions & exhaust18%
Visibility (windscreen & wipers)18%
Brakes18%

Based on real DVSA MOT test records for cars currently listed. Individual condition varies — always check the specific car's MOT history and advisories on its listing.

MOT pass rate is the percentage of BMW 5 Series cars in our stock that passed their most recent MOT on the first attempt, based on DVSA history. A pass rate above 80% is generally strong for a car of this age.

If a car you're viewing is approaching its MOT expiry, factor in the cost of any advisories — these are listed on each vehicle detail page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a used BMW 5 Series?
Based on 74,015 real national DVSA MOT tests, the BMW 5 Series has an average MOT pass rate of 85.93%.
What are the most common MOT failures on a BMW 5 Series?
The top failure categories are Tyres (35% of failures), Lighting & electrical (21%), and Other (17%). Suspension (11%) and Brakes (10%) also feature prominently.
Is the BMW 5 Series reliable?
While an MOT pass rate reflects cars presented for test, not lifetime reliability, failures do tend to cluster with a vehicle's age and neglect. The overall pass rate of 85.93% is a good indicator for cars currently on the road.
What should I check before buying a used BMW 5 Series?
Due to common MOT failures, you should pay particular attention to the condition of the tyres, all lighting and electrical components, and the suspension and brakes during any pre-purchase inspection.
How many BMW 5 Series cars are for sale now and what is the cheapest price?
There are 5 BMW 5 Series cars currently for sale, starting from £7,990. A representative finance example shows monthly payments from £263, subject to status.
What are the most common MOT failures on the BMW 5 Series?
Across 9 BMW 5 Series cars on Motoring Today with DVSA MOT history, the most common reasons for MOT failure are tyres, other and drivetrain (tyres account for 31% of recorded failures).

More BMW 5 Series resources