BMW 5 Series

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 30 model years from 155,556 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

84%

Total Tests

155,556

Highest Pass Rate

2021 (93%)

Years Covered

About the BMW 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series was MOT tested 155,556 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 30 model years (1994 to 2023), with an average pass rate of 84%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and hybrid and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93% from 4,081 tests. The 1999 model has the lowest at 71%. With a 22 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW 5 Seriess pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1994) averages 134,866 miles, while the newest (2023) averages 24,552 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the BMW brand average of 88%, the 5 Series is 4 points lower, placing it among the less reliable BMW models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Hybrid, 1998cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,086

Per month£174/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2023 details

How reliable is the BMW 5 Series?

vs average of all models+2% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average-4% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread22 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW 5 Series by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2023	98%	185	24,552 mi
2022	96%	586	33,834 mi
2021	93%	4,081	35,046 mi
2020	92%	9,409	40,517 mi
2019	92%	33,766	52,218 mi
2018	91%	40,272	63,822 mi
2017	90%	28,884	73,845 mi
2016	91%	104	58,170 mi
2015	93%	135	77,391 mi
2014	88%	495	96,084 mi
2013	83%	12,106	116,962 mi
2012	83%	12,364	124,375 mi
2011	83%	2,348	129,743 mi
2010	83%	1,299	135,211 mi
2009	83%	1,296	149,453 mi
2008	83%	1,682	154,421 mi
2007	81%	1,827	159,927 mi
2006	80%	1,465	158,383 mi
2005	76%	866	156,443 mi
2004	78%	555	149,786 mi
2003	77%	437	139,654 mi
2002	78%	330	147,542 mi
2001	81%	217	138,008 mi
2000	75%	179	151,070 mi
1999	71%	224	143,099 mi
1998	80%	184	126,519 mi
1997	79%	94	129,696 mi
1996	78%	55	148,837 mi
1995	77%	60	147,066 mi
1994	84%	51	134,866 mi

Questions about the BMW 5 Series

Is the BMW 5 Series reliable?

Across its 30 model years in our data (1994 to 2023), the BMW 5 Series averages an 84% MOT pass rate, from 155,556 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2021 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 93%.

Which year BMW 5 Series has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 BMW 5 Series has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 71%, a 22 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.