BMW M5 MOT pass rate: 89.4% (3,767 tests, 2025)
How the M5 compares
BMW M5
89.4%UK average (all Class 4 vehicles)
77.5% across 33.1 million testsBMW average (all models)
83.0%What fails most on the BMW M5
Across failed and rectified tests in 2025, these vehicle systems produced the most defects on the M5:
| # | System | Defects recorded | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 180 | 24.3% |
| 2 | Tyres | 161 | 21.8% |
| 3 | Noise, emissions and leaks | 119 | 16.1% |
| 4 | Brakes | 112 | 15.1% |
| 5 | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 109 | 14.7% |
| 6 | Visibility | 59 | 8.0% |
Pre-MOT checklist for M5 owners
Based on the failure profile above, ten minutes with a torch before your test removes the most likely fail items:
- Bounce each corner and listen for clonks over speed bumps — suspension is this model’s (and the UK’s) top failure system
- Check tread with the 20p test and inspect sidewalls for cracking — tyres close to the limit are the country’s most common advisory
- A blowing exhaust or visible smoke will fail; warm the engine fully before the test
- Feel for a spongy pedal or pulling to one side; check pad wear through the wheel spokes if visible
- Walk round with all lights on: one blown bulb is the most avoidable fail there is
A stored fault code with the engine light on is an automatic Major defect. Scan and clear resolved faults before booking.
- Topdon OBD2 scannersTopdon diagnostic scanners with full-system readouts
- XTOOL diagnostic toolsXTOOL code readers for petrol and diesel cars
- Autel UK testersAutel professional-grade diagnostic testers
Check a specific M5 before you buy
Pass rates describe the model; they can’t tell you about the one car you’re looking at. Run its plate through our free MOT history check to see its personal record of failures, advisories and mileage readings.
Other BMW models
FAQs
What is the MOT pass rate for a BMW M5?
In 2025, 89.4% of 3,767 first MOT tests on the BMW M5 were passes (UK average: 77.5%). Data: DVSA anonymised MOT results.
What does the M5 fail its MOT on most?
The biggest defect group is suspension (24.3% of its recorded defects), followed by tyres.
Is the BMW M5 reliable?
MOT pass rate is one lens on durability: at 89.4% it performs above the national average at a median age of 13 years and 77,361 miles. Always check the individual car's history too.
Source: DVSA Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2025 extract (Class 4 initial tests only; retests excluded). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Figures rounded to one decimal place.