1998 BMW 5 Series · 3,432 MOT tests
1998 BMW 5 Series reliability
1998 BMW 5 Seriess fail 36.6% of first MOT tests, 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 24 5 Series years (3,432 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- 36.6%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 6% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 124,533
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,432
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- 1999 cars: 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 6.7% of tests fail here (74% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 56% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 BMW 5 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics14.9%
- Brakes14.7%
- Suspension14.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.7%
- Seat belts and airbags6.7%
- Tyres4.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 4.95%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 3.41%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Headlamp aim set too low 3.18%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 2.88%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 2.19%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.1%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (14.28%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (14.25%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.49%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.88%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.64%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (5.36%)
Other years
Every BMW 5 Series year
The full picture: BMW 5 Series reliability. Before you pay for any BMW 5 Series, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1998 BMW 5 Series reliable?
1998 BMW 5 Seriess fail 36.6% of first MOT tests, 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 24 5 Series years (3,432 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 BMW 5 Series MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (4.95% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (3.41% of tests), headlamp aim set too low (3.18% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 BMW 5 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 BMW 5 Series shows 124,533 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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