81First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
4 / 4
100% road-ready
Median MOT left
6 mo
Expiring < 2 mo
1
Plan for an MOT soon after purchaseMost 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 area | Recorded failures | Share of failures |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 4 | 31% |
| Other | 3 | 23% |
| Drivetrain | 2 | 15% |
| Emissions & exhaust | 1 | 8% |
| Visibility (windscreen & wipers) | 1 | 8% |
| Brakes | 1 | 8% |
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 MOT pass rate of 85.93%. This figure reflects cars presented for their annual MOT test across the UK.
- What are the most common MOT failures on a BMW 5 Series?
- The top failure categories for the BMW 5 Series are Tyres (35%), Lighting & electrical (21%), and Suspension (11%). Brakes also account for 10% of failures.
- Is the BMW 5 Series reliable?
- The MOT pass rate reflects how well a car passes its annual test, not its overall lifetime reliability. MOT failures can cluster with a car's age and how well it has been maintained, so individual car history is important.
- What should I check before buying a used BMW 5 Series?
- Focus on common MOT failure areas: thoroughly inspect the tyres for wear and damage, check all lights and electrical components, and listen for any suspension noises or unusual braking behaviour during a test drive.
- 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).