1999 BMW 5 Series · 4,624 MOT tests
1999 BMW 5 Series reliability
1999 BMW 5 Seriess fail 36.6% of first MOT tests, 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 23 of 24 5 Series years (4,624 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
- 10% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 134,291
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,624
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1999 against the years either side
- 1998 cars: 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does better)
- 2000 cars: 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 5.9% of tests fail here (48% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 51% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1999 BMW 5 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics15.3%
- Suspension14.3%
- Brakes13.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.2%
- Steering6%
- Seat belts and airbags5.9%
- Body, chassis and structure5.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.55%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 3.16%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 2.64%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Headlamp aim set too low 2.55%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 2.51%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Position lamp not working 2.38%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (15.35%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.69%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.25%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.99%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.27%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.23%)
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 1999 BMW 5 Series reliable?
1999 BMW 5 Seriess fail 36.6% of first MOT tests, 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 23 of 24 5 Series years (4,624 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1999 BMW 5 Series MOT?
Most often parking brake efficiency below minimum (3.55% of tests), steering rack gaiter no longer sealed (3.16% of tests), windscreen washer fluid insufficient (2.64% of tests).
How many miles should a 1999 BMW 5 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1999 BMW 5 Series shows 134,291 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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