BMW M5 (2002)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 272 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Total Tests (2024)
272
Avg Mileage
119,488 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2002 BMW M5 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.
At 22 years old, 90% of BMW M5s from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 272 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 119,488 miles.
How does the 2002 BMW M5 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2002 BMW M5 has 119,488 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a BMW M5?
The most reliable year is the 2012 model with a 95% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 85%. The 2002 sits between the two at 90%.
How much does a 2002 BMW M5 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific BMW M5?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2002 BMW M5
The 2002 BMW M5 is a premium performance with a 4941cc petrol engine. 272 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 9% of all 2002 cars for reliability.
With an average of 119,488 miles at 22 years old, BMW M5 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2002 BMW M5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,097 (£175/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £250 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 4 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2002 BMW M5
At 22 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%.
Alternatives to the 2002 BMW M5
The BMW M5 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premium performances from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MERCEDES CLK (2004) 76% pass rate (-14%) from 8,352 tests
- BMW X5 (2004) 77% pass rate (-13%) from 6,276 tests
- MERCEDES SL (2003) 86% pass rate (-4%) from 5,173 tests
- ROVER 75 (2004) 69% pass rate (-21%) from 4,012 tests