BMW M5 (1991)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 46 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,588

£216/month

MOT Pass Rate

91%

Excellent

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3430cc Petrol

Great Choice

91% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 9 points above average.

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Petrol3430cc35 years old46 tests110k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3430cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£2,588

Per month£216/mo

Per week£50/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

91% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

91% of MOT tests on BMW M5s from 1991 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 33 years old. That's based on 46 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 110,152 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1991 models29th of 172(top 17%)

Rank among BMW models652nd of 1,548(top half)

vs average of all models+9%(82% avg)

vs 1991 models average+12%(79% avg)

vs BMW average+3%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

110,152

Average miles

244,200

Expected for age

The average 1991 BMW M5 had 110,152 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 85%. The 1991 scores 91%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW M5 by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Porsche 911

1990 · 3600cc Petrol

£2,588/year

91%

same

Mercedes 300

1992 · 2996cc Petrol

£2,738/year

83%

-8%

Porsche 944

1990 · 2969cc Petrol

£2,738/year

85%

-6%

Porsche 968

1993 · 2990cc Petrol

£2,738/year

85%

-6%

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About the 1991 BMW M5

The 1991 BMW M5 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3430cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 46 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 17% of all 1991 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 110,152 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW M5 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1991 BMW M5 Fuel Costs

The 3430cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1991 BMW M5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,588 (£216/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.

BMW M5 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.

Buying a Used 1991 BMW M5

At 35 years old, the BMW M5 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. Note: with only 46 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 35 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 110k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1991 BMW M5 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
BMW M5(1991)	91%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588
Porsche 911(1990)	91%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,588same
Mercedes 300(1992)	83%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738+£150
Porsche 944(1990)	85%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738+£150
Porsche 968(1993)	85%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738+£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1991 BMW M5

Is the 1991 BMW M5 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 1991 BMW M5s ended in a pass, from 46 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1991 BMW M5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,588 a year (£216 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 BMW M5?

91% of 46 MOT tests on the 1991 BMW M5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 29th of 172 models first registered in 1991 (top 17%).

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% and the 2000 the lowest at 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1991 BMW M5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1991 BMW M5 is 110,152 miles, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.