BMW M5 (2018)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 50 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Total Tests (2024)
50
Avg Mileage
45,133 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,037
Is the 2018 BMW M5 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the BMW brand average of 88%.
At 6 years old, 92% of BMW M5s from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 50 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 45,133 miles.
How does the 2018 BMW M5 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2018 BMW M5 has 45,133 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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 2018 sits between the two at 92%.
How much does a 2018 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 2018 BMW M5
The 2018 BMW M5 is a premium performance with a 4395cc petrol engine. 50 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 45,133 miles at 6 years old, BMW M5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 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 2018 BMW M5?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,037 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% 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 2018 BMW M5
At 6 years old, the BMW M5 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 95%. Note: with only 50 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 2018 BMW M5
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MERCEDES C (2016) 88% pass rate (-4%) from 80,181 tests
- AUDI A6 (2016) 89% pass rate (-3%) from 26,437 tests
- PORSCHE CAYENNE (2019) 95% pass rate (+3%) from 9,063 tests
- PORSCHE 911 (2018) 96% pass rate (+4%) from 7,623 tests