BMW M5 (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 815 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,003

£250/month

MOT Pass Rate

95%

Excellent

Road Tax

£790

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

4395cc Petrol

Great Choice

95% pass rate, £3,003/year to run. 13 points above average.

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Petrol4395cc14 years old815 tests76k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 4395cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£790

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Low estimate due to excellent reliability

£200

Total per year£3,003

Per month£250/mo

Per week£58/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

95% MOT pass rate(Excellent)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 13 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.

95% of MOT tests on BMW M5s from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 815 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 76,211 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models42nd of 650(top 7%)

Rank among BMW models176th of 1,548(top 12%)

vs average of all models+13%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+17%(78% avg)

vs BMW average+7%(88% avg)

Mileage Analysis

76,211

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 BMW M5 had 76,211 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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

2010 · 4799cc Petrol

£3,153/year

86%

-9%

Bentley Continental

2014 · 3993cc Petrol

£3,003/year

97%

+2%

Mercedes SL

2014 · 4663cc Petrol

£3,003/year

92%

-3%

Porsche Panamera

2014 · 4806cc Petrol

£3,003/year

91%

-4%

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About the 2012 BMW M5

The 2012 BMW M5 is a premium performance car. Our records list a 4395cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 815 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 7% of all 2012 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 76,211 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,958 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 2012 BMW M5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,003 (£250/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 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 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 2012 BMW M5

At 14 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.

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 14 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 2012 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(2012)	95%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003
BMW X5(2010)	86%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,153+£150
Bentley Continental(2014)	97%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003same
Mercedes SL(2014)	92%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003same
Porsche Panamera(2014)	91%	£1,958	£790	Grp 35-50	£3,003same

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 2012 BMW M5

Is the 2012 BMW M5 reliable?

Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 95% of MOT tests on 2012 BMW M5s ended in a pass, from 815 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 13 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 BMW M5 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,003 a year (£250 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 BMW M5?

95% of 815 MOT tests on the 2012 BMW M5 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 42nd of 650 models first registered in 2012 (top 7%).

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 2012 BMW M5?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 BMW M5 is 76,211 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.