BMW 5 Series G30/G31 (2017-2022) reliability
BMW 5 Series G30/G31 built around 2018: about average at the MOT
BMW 5 Series G30/G31 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at a BMW 5 Series G30/G31?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
13% of MOT tests on BMW 5 Series G30/G31 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 14% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on BMW 5 Series G30/G31 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 77,760 tests of 5 Series models registered 2017-2022.
About 1 in 30 5 Series G30/G31 MOTs (3.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 19,436 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 20 5 Series G30/G31 MOTs (4.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 19,436 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
G30/G31 fail rate by age
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 8 years old.
How the 5 Series G30/G31 compares
At each age below, see how the 5 Series G30/G31 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 156,618 tests across 18 BMW models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
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 pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Shock absorbers
Worth checkingBounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck 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 G30/G31.
- 1
Jaguar XE
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 15.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.6%
- Dangerous
- 6%
No clear edge over the BMW 5 Series G30/G31 on these figures.
8,135 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Volvo S90
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.3%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.8%
- Dangerous
- 5.9%
No clear edge over the BMW 5 Series G30/G31 on these figures.
2,355 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Audi A6
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.2%
- Dangerous
- 4.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 79.1%
Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 2.2%, against 3.6% for the BMW 5 Series G30/G31.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
10,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Alfa Romeo Giulia
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.8%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 3.9%
- Dangerous
- 6.5%
No clear edge over the BMW 5 Series G30/G31 on these figures.
2,110 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 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.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
113 recalls in all19 of the 113 5 Series G30/G31 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 2 Critical
- 17 more
Top concerns
- Exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak
- Exhaust gas recirculation cooler could potentially leak over time
- Replace the engine starter motor
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on 5 Series G30/G31 cars built around 2018
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 829 cars.
Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)
Engine sizes across all diesel 5 Series tests (not specific to G30/G31).
How 5 Series G30/G31 cars have aged
How 5 Series G30/G31 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as G30/G31 cars age
How each part holds up as G30/G31 cars age
The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 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 car | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2% | 2% | 3% | 8% |
| Brakes | 1% | 5% | 4% | 6% |
| Emissions | 2% | 6% | 4% | 3% |
| Tyres | 18% | 22% | 27% | 28% |
| Lighting | No figure | 1% | 2% | 3% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | 1% | 2% | 3% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 110 to 1,096 cars at each age.
G30/G31 variants compared
5 Series G30/G31 variants built around 2018
The fail rate for each 5 Series G30/G31 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Diesel
- 5 SERIES13.0%12,080 tests
- 52011.2%439 tests
Hybrid electric
- 5 SERIES13.3%3,376 tests
Petrol
- 5 SERIES11.2%3,255 tests
Most common issues on BMW 5 Series models of this age
This list covers every BMW 5 Series built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the G30/G31 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 116.2%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 213.5%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
- 36.4%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 45.3%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 53.6%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
Based on 19,436 tests
Looking at a BMW 5 Series G30/G31?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the BMW 5 Series G30/G31 (2017-2022) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 19,436 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.