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BMW M5 (2010)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 35 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,303

£275/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4999cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £3,303/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Petrol4999cc16 years old35 tests77k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4999cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£500
Total per year£3,303
Per month£275/mo
Per week£64/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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the BMW brand average of 88%.

77% of MOT tests on BMW M5s from 2010 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 14 years old. That's based on 35 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 77,493 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2010 models317th of 558(bottom half)
Rank among BMW models1451st of 1,548(bottom 7%)
vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)
vs 2010 models average+2%(75% avg)
vs BMW average-11%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

77,493

Average miles

vs

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2010 BMW M5 had 77,493 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-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 2010 scores 77%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

BMW M5 by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
2021100%4345,385 mi
2020100%3534,728 mi
201995%25539,872 mi
201892%5045,133 mi
2017100%3958,281 mi
201694%1,33259,490 mi
201594%1,11160,765 mi
201494%1,30462,382 mi
201391%1,31066,323 mi
201295%81576,211 mi
201195%21976,893 mi
201077%3577,493 mi
200997%3074,096 mi
200895%22981,787 mi
200795%46783,923 mi
200689%46684,560 mi
200591%59792,623 mi
200394%62121,472 mi
200290%272119,488 mi
200190%435117,951 mi
200085%359125,310 mi
199989%229124,156 mi
1995100%44125,572 mi
199490%50115,651 mi
199390%62127,582 mi
199292%48150,004 mi
199191%46110,152 mi

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About the 2010 BMW M5

The 2010 BMW M5 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4999cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 35 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 2010, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 77,493 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, BMW M5 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2010 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 2010 BMW M5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,303 (£275/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% 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 2010 BMW M5

At 16 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 35 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 16 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.

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 2010 BMW M5 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
BMW M5(2010)77%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,303
Land Rover Range Rover Sport(2011)85%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153-£150
BMW X5(2010)86%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153-£150
Audi A6(2009)81%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,153-£150
Mercedes SL(2008)90%£1,958£790Grp 35-50£3,003-£300

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 2010 BMW M5

Is the 2010 BMW M5 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 2010 BMW M5s ended in a pass, from 35 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2010 BMW M5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,303 a year (£275 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2010 BMW M5?

77% of 35 MOT tests on the 2010 BMW M5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 317th of 558 models first registered in 2010 (bottom half).

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 2010 BMW M5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2010 BMW M5 is 77,493 miles, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Explore other BMW cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the BMW M5.

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