BMW M5 (2012)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 815 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
95%
Total Tests (2024)
815
Avg Mileage
76,211 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,097
Is the 2012 BMW M5 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 12 years old, 95% of BMW M5s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 815 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 76,211 miles.
How does the 2012 BMW M5 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2012 BMW M5 has 76,211 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
How much does a 2012 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 2012 BMW M5
The 2012 BMW M5 is a premium performance with a 4395cc petrol engine. 815 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 6% of all 2012 cars for reliability.
With an average of 76,211 miles at 12 years old, BMW M5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2012 BMW M5 Fuel Costs
The 4395cc 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 2012 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 95% 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 2012 BMW M5
At 12 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.
Alternatives to the 2012 BMW M5
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- BMW X5 (2010) 86% pass rate (-9%) from 8,668 tests
- BENTLEY CONTINENTAL (2014) 97% pass rate (+2%) from 3,031 tests
- MERCEDES SL (2014) 92% pass rate (-3%) from 2,892 tests
- PORSCHE PANAMERA (2014) 91% pass rate (-4%) from 2,259 tests