2001 BMW 5 Series · 6,366 MOT tests
2001 BMW 5 Series reliability
2001 BMW 5 Seriess fail 34.6% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 24 5 Series years (6,366 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- 34.6%
- first-time fail rate (all BMW 5 Seriess: 20.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 20% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 22
- 134,226
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 22
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,366
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- 2002 cars: 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 4% of tests fail here (7% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 63% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 BMW 5 Series
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics14.8%
- Suspension13.7%
- Brakes12.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.2%
- Tyres5.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.5%
- Steering4.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Headlamp aim set too low 3.74%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.69%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 2.75%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 2.58%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 2.51%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 2.23%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (21.85%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (15.85%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.07%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.18%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.68%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.46%)
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 2001 BMW 5 Series reliable?
2001 BMW 5 Seriess fail 34.6% of first MOT tests, 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 24 5 Series years (6,366 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 BMW 5 Series MOT?
Most often headlamp aim set too low (3.74% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (3.69% of tests), windscreen washer fluid insufficient (2.75% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 BMW 5 Series have done?
At its MOT aged about 22, a typical 2001 BMW 5 Series shows 134,226 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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