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BMW 5 Series E60/E61 (2003-2009) reliability

At a glance

BMW 5 Series E60/E61 built around 2007: about average at the MOT

BMW 5 Series E60/E61 models built around 2007 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a BMW 5 Series E60/E61?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

25% of MOT tests on BMW 5 Series E60/E61 models built around 2007 ended in a fail (retests included), against 28% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW 5 Series E60/E61 models built around 2007 involves the suspension.

BMW 5 Series E60/E61
excellent reliability2003-2009SaloonDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 42,163 tests of 5 Series models registered 2003-2009.

About 1 in 12 5 Series E60/E61 MOTs (8.7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2007 (18 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 8,265 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 5 Series E60/E61 MOTs (7.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2007 (18 years old).

Based on 8,265 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

E60/E61 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
3,94923.3%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
7,86523.0%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
8,18523.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
8,26524.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
5,92324.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
3,84125.7%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
2,75425.9%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,38127.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 22 years old.

How the 5 Series E60/E61 compares

At each age below, see how the 5 Series E60/E61 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 55,685 tests across 10 BMW models, built around 2007 (18 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
3,94923.3%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
7,86523.0%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
8,18523.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
8,26524.6%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
5,92324.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
3,84125.7%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
2,75425.9%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,38127.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 5 Series E60/E61.

  1. 1

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.1%

    No clear edge over the BMW 5 Series E60/E61 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,214 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  2. 2

    Chrysler 300

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27%

    No clear edge over the BMW 5 Series E60/E61 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,113 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  3. 3

    Saab 9-3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.3%
    Dangerous
    7.8%

    No clear edge over the BMW 5 Series E60/E61 on these figures.

    6,880 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  4. 4

    Volvo S40

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    30.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8%
    Dangerous
    9.3%

    No clear edge over the BMW 5 Series E60/E61 on these figures.

    1,941 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.

How many are still registered

83%of all BMW 5 Series cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

113 recalls in all

15 of the 113 5 Series E60/E61 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 6 Critical
  • 9 more

Top concerns

  • Takata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (global VINs)
  • Check driver’s airbag for conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
  • Drivers airbag may deploy incorrectly

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on 5 Series E60/E61 cars built around 2007

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,260 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
62%
Emissions
10%
Steering
3%
Drivetrain
1%

Wear items

Tyres
61%
Lighting
41%
Brakes
41%

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2007 (18 years old)

Engine sizes across all diesel 5 Series tests (not specific to E60/E61).

1.4 to 2.0 litres27.8%3,123 tests2.0 to 3.0 litres22.8%4,042 tests
How 5 Series E60/E61 cars have aged

How 5 Series E60/E61 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%121416182022Age at MOTBuilt around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (6,555 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (6,191 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (5,577 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (4,878 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (4,361 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (7,154 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (6,528 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (5,579 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (4,698 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (4,051 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (8,219 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (7,449 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (6,574 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (5,538 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (4,648 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (6,798 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (5,979 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (5,068 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (4,231 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (3,428 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (5,139 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (4,396 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (3,603 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (2,854 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (2,304 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (3,710 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (2,907 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (2,417 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (1,865 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (1,426 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (2,667 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (2,243 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (1,876 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (1,597 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (1,381 tests, 2025 data)2003
First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
How each part holds up as E60/E61 cars age

How each part holds up as E60/E61 cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension46%62%75%66%
Brakes31%41%57%57%
Emissions8%10%11%13%
Tyres54%61%67%65%
Lighting37%41%48%49%
DrivetrainNo figure1%1%1%
Steering2%3%3%3%
Corrosion1%2%2%2%

Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 1,061 to 1,260 cars at each age.

E60/E61 variants compared

5 Series E60/E61 variants built around 2007

The fail rate for each 5 Series E60/E61 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • 52027.8%2,817 tests
  • 53023.4%1,559 tests
  • 52525.2%1,298 tests
  • 53519.1%763 tests
  • 5 SERIES23.4%727 tests

Petrol

  • 52521.9%306 tests
  • 53020.7%300 tests
  • 52327.0%237 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on BMW 5 Series models of this age

This list covers every BMW 5 Series built around 2007, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the E60/E61 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    28.8%
    Advisory: 3,684Fail: 660 (15% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    25.2%
    Advisory: 2,986Fail: 285 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    19.4%
    Advisory: 1,648Fail: 12 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    9.8%
    Advisory: 1,098Fail: 18 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    8.9%
    Advisory: 1,021Fail: 86 (8% of the times it was found)

Based on 8,265 tests

Looking at a BMW 5 Series E60/E61?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2007 (18 years old), the BMW 5 Series E60/E61 (2003-2009) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 8,265 18-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 42,163 MOT tests on BMW 5 Series models first registered between 2003-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.