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BMW M5 reliability by build year

Coverage 2005-present4 named generationsSaloonPETROL

We've only got 532 MOT tests for BMW M5 models built around 2014 (11 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

BMW M5 built around 2014: fails its MOT less often than average

BMW M5 models built around 2014 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Check a BMW M5 by number plate

Key figure

11% of MOT tests on BMW M5 models built around 2014 ended in a fail (retests included), against 21% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW M5 models built around 2014 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The BMW M5's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

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.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

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.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your M5's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

F

F90 (2018-2023)

Not enough tests to rate
PETROL

8.6% fail rate, built around 2019 (6 years old)

Likely between 3.7% and 18.6%

Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 7 MOTs, 14.8%)

From 58 MOT tests at this ageLimited data
M5 F10

F10 (2012-2016)

Excellent
PETROL

11.1% fail rate, built around 2016 (9 years old)

Likely between 8.4% and 14.6%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 5 MOTs, 20.8%)

From 395 MOT tests at this ageView details →
E

E60 (2005-2010)

Excellent
PETROL

12.2% fail rate, built around 2006 (19 years old)

Likely between 9.1% and 16.2%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.4%)

From 328 MOT tests at this ageView details →
Pre

Older models (before 2005)

PETROL

15.1% fail rate, built before 2000 (over 25 years old)

Likely between 12.0% and 19.0%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 25.2%)

From 403 MOT tests at this ageLimited data

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the BMW M5.

See every build year for the BMW M5

Side-by-side

BMW M5 generations compared

Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.

GenerationRatingFail rate
F90 (2018-2023)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate8.6%likely between 3.7% and 18.6%built around 2019 (6 years old)from 58 MOT tests at this age
F10 (2012-2016)
Excellent
Excellent11.1%likely between 8.4% and 14.6%built around 2016 (9 years old)from 395 MOT tests at this age
E60 (2005-2010)
Excellent
Excellent12.2%likely between 9.1% and 16.2%built around 2006 (19 years old)from 328 MOT tests at this age
Older models (before 2005)
No rating
No rating15.1%likely between 12.0% and 19.0%built before 2000 (over 25 years old)from 403 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the M5, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.

By age

BMW M5 fail rate by age

This chart combines every BMW M5 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
515.9%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
588.6%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
2199.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
39511.1%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
4099.5%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
53211.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
36510.7%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
25612.9%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1656.7%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
2619.2%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
32812.2%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
818.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
8914.6%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
23315.4%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
25913.5%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
40315.1%

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 23 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 11-year-old BMW M5 models

These issues come from 11-year-old BMW M5 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    10.7%
    Advisory: 94Fail: 10 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    6.6%
    Advisory: 47Fail: 2 (4% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    5.5%
    Advisory: 32Fail: 11 (26% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    4.1%
    Advisory: 6Fail: 22 (79% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    3.8%
    Advisory: 20Fail: 2 (9% of the times it was found)

Based on 532 MOT tests on 11-year-old BMW M5 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 11-year-old BMW M5 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelNot much data
  1. Brakes + Tyres30%
  2. Suspension + Tyres16%
  3. Other + Tyres14%
  4. Brakes + Suspension12%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 57 MOT tests on BMW M5 cars built around 2014 (11 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

79%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

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

63 recalls in all

Includes recalls GOV.UK files under the BMW 5 Series, the model this one is based on.

38 of the 63 BMW M5 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 8 Critical
  • 30 more

Top concerns

  • Checking and re-securing the air-conditioning wiring harness
  • Risk of fire
  • Exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak

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

Like-for-like

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons to compare

  1. 1

    Volkswagen Jetta

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.6%

    More still registered at 10 years: 85%, against 79% for the BMW M5.

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

    1,474 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  2. 2

    Audi A6

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.8%
    Dangerous
    5.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.1%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 3.8%, against 6.8% for the BMW M5.

    12,740 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  3. 3

    Audi A4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.7%
    Dangerous
    6.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    85%

    More still registered at 10 years: 85%, against 79% for the BMW M5.

    21,321 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  4. 4

    Volvo S60

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.8%
    Dangerous
    7.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    75.8%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 3.8%, against 6.8% for the BMW M5.

    1,650 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

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.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2014 (11 years old), the BMW M5 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 532 11-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every BMW M5 ever sold: 4,104 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2014 (11 years old): 532 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.