BMW M5 (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 229 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,738

£228/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4941cc Petrol

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £2,738/year to run. 7 points above average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific BMW M5

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol4941cc27 years old229 tests124k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4941cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,738

Per month£228/mo

Per week£53/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

89% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.

89% of MOT tests on BMW M5s from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 229 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 124,156 miles.

Got a BMW M5 you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models35th of 361(top 10%)

Rank among BMW models839th of 1,548(bottom half)

vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average+14%(75% avg)

vs BMW average+1%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

124,156

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 BMW M5 had 124,156 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

Looking at a specific BMW M5?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

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 1999 scores 89%. 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

Mercedes SL

1997 · 4973cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

-2%

Mercedes CLK

2000 · 5439cc Petrol

£2,738/year

81%

-8%

TVR Chimaera

1999 · 4546cc Petrol

£2,738/year

88%

-1%

Toyota Land Cruiser

1998 · 4477cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

-11%

Check a Specific BMW M5

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 1999 BMW M5

The 1999 BMW M5 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4941cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 229 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 10% of all 1999 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 124,156 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW M5 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1999 BMW M5 Fuel Costs

The 4941cc 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 1999 BMW M5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,738 (£228/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 1999 BMW M5

At 27 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%.

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 27 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 124k 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.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn 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 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 1999 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(1999)	89%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738
Mercedes SL(1997)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Mercedes CLK(2000)	81%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
TVR Chimaera(1999)	88%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738same
Toyota Land Cruiser(1998)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888+£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 1999 BMW M5

Is the 1999 BMW M5 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 1999 BMW M5s ended in a pass, from 229 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 BMW M5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,738 a year (£228 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 BMW M5?

89% of 229 MOT tests on the 1999 BMW M5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 35th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top 10%).

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 1999 BMW M5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 BMW M5 is 124,156 miles, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.