BMW M5

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 27 model years from 9,944 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

93%

Total Tests

9,944

Highest Pass Rate

2012 (95%)

Years Covered

About the BMW M5

The BMW M5 was MOT tested 9,944 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 27 model years (1991 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 93%. That's comfortably above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 95% from 815 tests. The 2000 model has the lowest at 85%. The 10 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW M5s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1991) averages 110,152 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 45,385 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the BMW brand average of 88%, the M5 performs 5 points better, making it one of the more reliable options in the BMW range.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4395cc)

£1,958

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,413

Per month£201/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 2021 details

How reliable is the BMW M5?

vs average of all models+11% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average+5% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread10 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW M5 by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	100%	43	45,385 mi
2020	100%	35	34,728 mi
2019	95%	255	39,872 mi
2018	92%	50	45,133 mi
2017	100%	39	58,281 mi
2016	94%	1,332	59,490 mi
2015	94%	1,111	60,765 mi
2014	94%	1,304	62,382 mi
2013	91%	1,310	66,323 mi
2012	95%	815	76,211 mi
2011	95%	219	76,893 mi
2010	77%	35	77,493 mi
2009	97%	30	74,096 mi
2008	95%	229	81,787 mi
2007	95%	467	83,923 mi
2006	89%	466	84,560 mi
2005	91%	597	92,623 mi
2003	94%	62	121,472 mi
2002	90%	272	119,488 mi
2001	90%	435	117,951 mi
2000	85%	359	125,310 mi
1999	89%	229	124,156 mi
1995	100%	44	125,572 mi
1994	90%	50	115,651 mi
1993	90%	62	127,582 mi
1992	92%	48	150,004 mi
1991	91%	46	110,152 mi

Questions about the BMW M5

Is the BMW M5 reliable?

Across its 27 model years in our data (1991 to 2021), the BMW M5 averages a 93% MOT pass rate, from 9,944 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2012 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 95%.

Which year BMW M5 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 BMW M5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 85%, a 10 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.