Used buying checklist
BMW M5 reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used BMW M5 looks better than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 10.8% of 4,466 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 10.8% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 72,343 miles
- 484 failed MOT tests analysed
Corrosion and structure is the clearest area to check
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (15.6 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include excessively corroded, corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened, and prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- excessively corroded
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength
- corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced
- ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt
- ball joint excessively worn
- ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt
- ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated
- damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
- Items removed from drivers view prior to test
Focus on corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors
The model's recorded failure rate is 10.8%, -7.9 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed4,466 tests
- Median tested mileage72,343 miles
- Failed MOT tests484
Should you buy a used BMW M5?
89.2% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 10.8%, -7.9 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors
- corrosion and structure appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "excessively corroded"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (15.6 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the BMW M5, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
The MOT failure rate rises from 25.0% at 0-3 years to 12.6% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (15.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (6.7 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (5.5 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (5.5 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (3.9 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (1.7 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the BMW M5, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (15.6 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the BMW M5 mainly involve 6 areas: emissions, engine, and exhaust, lights and electrical, seatbelts and safety systems, and brakes. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the BMW M5, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are corrosion and structure, windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, and tyres and wheels.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 995 | 889 | 7.5%-3.3 percentage points vs all models | 39,138 miles |
| 50-100k | 2,293 | 2,007 | 10.8%-9.9 percentage points vs all models | 71,293 miles |
| 100-150k | 839 | 734 | 13.5%-12.7 percentage points vs all models | 120,626 miles |
| 150-200k | 217 | 188 | 12.9%-14.4 percentage points vs all models | 164,540 miles |
| 200k+ | 45 | 38 | 17.8%-8.8 percentage points vs all models | 213,311 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the BMW M5, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and emissions, engine, and exhaust.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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| 200k+ |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 25.0% at 0-3 years to 12.6% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 25.0% for 0-3 years cars, based on 8 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
8 | 6 | 25.0%+16.6 percentage points vs all models | 2.9 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
70 | 58 | 11.4%+0.8 percentage points vs all models | 4.3 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
1,684 | 1,461 | 8.7%-7.9 percentage points vs all models | 8.5 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
736 | 646 | 10.9%-12.7 percentage points vs all models | 11.0 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
1,968 | 1,721 | 12.6%-13.3 percentage points vs all models | 20.8 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2026-03-17 | Checking and re-securing the air-conditioning wiring harness The Safety Recall relates to the air-conditioning wiring harness located behind the dashboard. On the affected vehicles the wiring harness was fixed very close to a screw connection on the interior microfilter housing cover. The microfilter of the air conditioning system will be regularly replaced as part of the oil service. It cannot be ruled out that cables may be damaged when replacing the microfilter during a workshop visit. The filter cover has to be removed from the lower part of the instrument panel. After replacing the filter the cover has to be refitted at which point the wires may become damaged or trapped. If the wiring harness is damaged this could lead to malfunctions of the air conditioning system as well as to a short circuit. In case of a short circuit a sensor may overheat while the vehicle is in operation. As a result smoke may develop from the instrument panel and subsequently a fire cannot be ruled out. On the affected vehicles the air-conditioning wiring harness will be checked repaired if necessary and re-secured in a modified fixing. |
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| 2024-10-21 | Replace Double Universal Joint (Steering) On affected vehicles there may have been a deviation in the production of the double universal joint on the steering column. Certain steering movements could result in the component failing. Affected vehicles will have the double universal joint replaced. |
| 2024-09-13 | Integrated Braking System On certain vehicles the Integrated Brake (IB) system may be impaired due to contamination between electrical contacts. Vehicles that may be affected by contamination are required to have the vehicle’s software updated which can detect signal interference before it occurs. If symptoms are detected you should refrain from use of the vehicle and the affected Integrated Brake (IB) system component will be replaced. |
| 2022-08-22 | Screw connections of some seats and seatbelts may not have been properly tightened during vehicle production Screw connections of some seats and seatbelts may not have been properly tightened during vehicle production. : Inspect and ensure all affected seats and belts are correctly secured and tightened to specification. |
| 2021-12-29 | THE MATERIAL QUALITY OF THE SCREWS USED FOR SEAT BELTS AND REAR SEATS MAY NOT BE TO SPECIFICATIONS. The material quality of seat and seatbelt screws may not be according to specification. On the affected vehicles the screws will be replaced in specific locations on the seat belts or rear seats. |
| 2020-02-03 | INCORRECT ROUTING OF THE GEARBOX WIRING HARNESS An incorrect routing of the gearbox wiring harness could lead to wiring harness damage On the affected vehicles the transmission wiring harness will be reworked |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the BMW M5. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other BMW reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.