BMW M5 (1993)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 62 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,588
£216/month
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Excellent
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
3795cc Petrol
Great Choice
90% pass rate, £2,588/year to run. 8 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
90% of MOT tests on BMW M5s from 1993 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 31 years old. That's based on 62 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 127,582 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
127,582
Average miles
229,400
Expected for age
The average 1993 BMW M5 had 127,582 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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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 1993 scores 90%. 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
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About the 1993 BMW M5
The 1993 BMW M5 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 3795cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 62 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 12% of all 1993 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 127,582 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW M5 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1993 BMW M5 Fuel Costs
The 3795cc 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 1993 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 90% 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 1993 BMW M5
At 33 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 62 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 outAt 33 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 128k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 1993 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(1993) | 90% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,588 |
| Mercedes E(1995) | 79% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,888+£300 |
| Porsche 911(1995) | 89% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,738+£150 |
| Land Rover Range Rover(1994) | 80% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,738+£150 |
| Jaguar XJS(1995) | 89% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £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 1993 BMW M5
Is the 1993 BMW M5 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 90% of MOT tests on 1993 BMW M5s ended in a pass, from 62 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 8 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1993 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 1993 BMW M5?
90% of 62 MOT tests on the 1993 BMW M5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 21st of 188 models first registered in 1993 (top 12%).
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 1993 BMW M5?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1993 BMW M5 is 127,582 miles, which is below the expected 229,400 miles for a 31-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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