BMW M5 (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 466 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,153

£263/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4999cc Petrol

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Petrol4999cc20 years old466 tests85k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4999cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£3,153

Per month£263/mo

Per week£61/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 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 466 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 84,560 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models49th of 554(top 9%)

Rank among BMW models826th of 1,548(bottom half)

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

vs 2006 models average+16%(73% avg)

vs BMW average+1%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

84,560

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 BMW M5 had 84,560 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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 2006 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

BMW X5

2005 · 4799cc Petrol

£3,303/year

77%

-12%

Mercedes CLK

2004 · 4966cc Petrol

£3,303/year

76%

-13%

Rover 75

2004 · 4601cc Petrol

£3,503/year

69%

-20%

Mercedes ML

2006 · 4966cc Petrol

£3,153/year

80%

-9%

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About the 2006 BMW M5

The 2006 BMW M5 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4999cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 466 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 9% of all 2006 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 84,560 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW M5 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2006 BMW M5 Fuel Costs

The 4999cc 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 2006 BMW M5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2006 BMW M5

At 20 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 20 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

Medium risk

With an average of 85k 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 2006 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(2006)	89%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153
BMW X5(2005)	77%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
Mercedes CLK(2004)	76%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,303+£150
Rover 75(2004)	69%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,503+£350
Mercedes ML(2006)	80%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153same

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 2006 BMW M5

Is the 2006 BMW M5 reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2006 BMW M5s ended in a pass, from 466 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 2006 BMW M5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2006 BMW M5?

89% of 466 MOT tests on the 2006 BMW M5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 49th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (top 9%).

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 2006 BMW M5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 BMW M5 is 84,560 miles, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.